Series of Cartouches, in: Targhe ed altri ornati di varie e capricciose invenzioni (Cartouches and other ornaments of various and capricious invention, page 49) 1540 - 1560

This engraving of capricious cartouches was created by Cornelis Bos in the 16th century. Observe the grotesque masks, winged figures, and the central oval framing a pastoral scene. These are not mere decorations; they are carriers of memory, each element echoing classical antiquity and the Renaissance. The grotesque masks, for instance, descend from ancient Roman art, where they were used to ward off evil spirits. Yet, here, they are reborn in a decorative context, their protective function somewhat diluted, transformed into aesthetic devices. See also the motif of the winged figures, reminiscent of classical depictions of victory. The emotional power of these symbols lies in their ability to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, harking back to a glorified past. This yearning for a lost golden age, a collective longing deeply embedded in the subconscious, fuels the cyclical return and reinterpretation of these motifs across centuries. The cartouche has appeared and reappeared throughout history, shifting in meaning and serving diverse cultural functions.