Zes bekroonde cartouches met lettermonogrammen (ACD-ACI) c. 1690 - 1691

Daniel de Lafeuille created these six crowned cartouches with letter monograms, sometime between 1640 and 1709. Notice how each cartouche presents an elaborate monogram, crowned and framed by ornate foliage, all meticulously rendered. The stark contrast between the delicate lines and the dense shading creates a visual tension. The monograms themselves are a fascinating exercise in visual encoding, a semiotic system where letters transform into symbols of identity and status. Each design is subtly different, reflecting the unique combinations of initials they represent. Consider the crowns: symbols of authority, meticulously detailed to denote a hierarchy of power and prestige. This isn't merely decoration; it's a statement about the social order, a visual shorthand for lineage and privilege. The artist plays with these codes, using form to communicate complex messages about identity and social standing.