Design for Half Cartouche with Mask 18th century

Fortunato Tesi rendered this design for a half cartouche with mask in pen and brown ink, with gray wash over black chalk. Born in 1718, Tesi lived in an era where ornamentation wasn't merely decorative; it conveyed status, power, and cultural identity. The mask depicted in the upper right becomes a focal point. Often, masks were used to project an idealized or theatrical persona, a concept deeply embedded in the social performances of the time. The very act of veiling and unveiling speaks to the complexities of identity formation. Consider the societal structures that commissioned and consumed such designs. Aristocrats and institutions sought to legitimize their power through elaborate displays of wealth and taste. Tesi’s design contributes to this visual language. It embodies the intertwined narratives of gender, class, and power, reflecting how visual culture played a crucial role in shaping social perceptions.