Vlakdecoratie met gegolfd bekken 1548

This ornament print with a scalloped basin was created in 1548 by an anonymous artist. The composition is dominated by a symmetrical arrangement of figures and decorative elements, all meticulously rendered with fine, dark lines. Here, we see a formal mirroring that presents a play between the classical and the grotesque, challenging traditional notions of beauty. The symmetrical composition draws the eye across the detailed patterns, prompting us to consider how these elements work together to create meaning. The figures on either side of the basin appear almost trapped within its curvilinear forms, and the composition destabilizes the viewer’s expectations. The meticulous technique enhances the texture and depth of the design, with the whole effect of suggesting a sense of unease and questioning of established categories.