Female Term encased by a Strapwork Panel 1540 - 1550

This drawing of a "Female Term encased by a Strapwork Panel" was rendered anonymously, using pen and brown ink with brown wash over black chalk. It raises important questions about the public role of art and the politics of imagery in its time. The drawing reflects the cultural fascination with classical antiquity during the Renaissance, specifically its interest in architectural ornament. The female term, a figure merging the human form with an architectural pillar, evokes ancient Roman and Greek traditions. Note how the drawing makes meaning through visual codes, such as the fruit basket, a symbol of abundance and prosperity. The social conditions that shaped the production of this drawing include the patronage system, in which wealthy elites commissioned artists to create works that reflected their status and values. Researching such patterns of patronage allows us to understand the institutions and social context that defined artistic production and aesthetic preferences during the Renaissance.