Design for an Ornamental Spandrel 1600 - 1700

This ornamental spandrel design was rendered in pen and brown ink, with brown wash and black chalk, by an anonymous artist. The drawing provides a fascinating window into the world of interior decoration, reflecting the social and cultural values of its time, likely Italy, sometime in the 16th or 17th century. The design itself is rich with classical motifs: acanthus scrolls, putti, and a central figure reminiscent of a Roman goddess. These elements evoke a sense of grandeur and refinement that would have been particularly appealing to wealthy patrons looking to display their cultural capital. The function of this design is equally revealing. Spandrels are the architectural spaces between an arch and a rectangular enclosure. Ornamenting these areas was a way for patrons to showcase their sophistication and taste. The presence of religious or mythological imagery also allowed patrons to signal their piety and moral virtue. To fully appreciate this work, one would need to investigate pattern books and architectural treatises of the period. Only then can we begin to understand the design's place within a broader system of artistic and social meaning.