Ronde cartouche in vierkante omlijsting 1595

This cartouche was made in 1595, likely in the Netherlands, by an anonymous printmaker. The primary material is an inked impression on paper, created through the incised lines of an engraving. The visual effect is one of astonishing control. Imagine the focused labor involved in scoring these fine, deliberate lines into a metal plate. The textures range from crisp hatched shading to the smooth curves of the decorative elements and the lettered inscription. Each area required a different touch, a different intention. This object testifies to the printmaker’s skill, but also to the social role of engraving at the time. It was a reproductive medium, allowing imagery to be circulated widely for a relatively low cost. This little cartouche encapsulates the increasing commercialization of art during the early modern period, demonstrating how the craft and fine arts began to intermingle.