Cartouche met rolwerk 1579

This anonymous print, “Cartouche met rolwerk”, is found in a book at the Rijksmuseum. The term "rolwerk" refers to the style of ornament that makes up the cartouche, resembling stylized, curling straps of leather or paper. This was a popular style in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly in Northern Europe. The printmaking process involves applying ink to an etched or engraved plate, then transferring that image to paper. The crisp lines and tonal range suggest a careful application of skill. The very nature of printmaking implies a wider distribution of imagery, fueling trends in taste and design. Ornaments like these were not just aesthetic choices, they were also markers of status, reflecting the owner's access to current styles and the financial means to acquire them. The production of such prints involved specialized labor, from the artist who conceived the design to the skilled printmakers who executed it, each contributing to a system of artisanal production. Considering the materials, the making, and the social context allows us to understand that the simple print is enmeshed with broader cultural and economic histories.