Rechthoekige cartouche met dierenmasker 1579 - 1580

This rectangular cartouche with an animal mask was made by an anonymous artist, using an engraving technique, in the Netherlands. The visual codes in this image speak to the cultural values and historical associations of its time. Cartouches were popular decorative elements in maps and prints, often used to frame text or images. The animal mask at the top adds a touch of classical antiquity, a common reference point in European art and intellectual circles. The Latin text provides insight into the purpose of the cartouche. In the context of 17th-century Dutch culture, we can see reflections of a society that valued both knowledge and artistic embellishment. The rise of cartography and printing contributed to the spread of information and shaped public perceptions of the world. This print reflects the prevailing social structures, where classical knowledge and artistic refinement were prized. Further research into the historical context of cartography and printmaking in the Netherlands would help to fully understand the meaning and significance of this cartouche.