Ornament voor goud- en zilversmeden c. 1668

Louis Cossin created this design for goldsmiths and silversmiths, sometime between 1627 and 1704, using pen and brown ink. Such drawings served as vital intermediaries in the early modern period, connecting artistic innovation with the skilled labor of artisans. The flourishing Dutch economy of this era created a demand for luxury goods, fueling a market for sophisticated designs. The print's symmetrical layout, featuring elaborate floral motifs and geometric compartments, reflects the Baroque aesthetic then in vogue across Europe. Yet, its existence also speaks to the changing status of the artist. No longer just a craftsman, Cossin positions himself as an author of invention, selling his ideas to those who would execute them in precious metals. To fully grasp the importance of this drawing, we might delve into guild records and merchant inventories. These historical resources can reveal how designs like these shaped material culture and the very organization of artistic labor in the Netherlands.