Series of Cartouches, in: Targhe ed altri ornati di varie e capricciose invenzioni (Cartouches and other ornaments of various and capricious invention, page 43) 1540 - 1560

This print, made by Cornelis Bos in the mid-16th century, is one of many designs for cartouches, or ornamental frames. It was created using the technique of engraving: lines were incised into a metal plate, which was then inked and printed onto paper. In this example, we can observe a real tension between the two-dimensional nature of printmaking and the illusion of three-dimensional form. The scene features ornate scrolls, stylized birds, and grotesque masks. The use of hatching and cross-hatching is particularly significant, giving a sense of depth and shadow. Bos was part of a wider printmaking boom that was closely tied to the rise of mercantile capitalism. The relatively low cost and ease of distribution allowed for the swift circulation of ideas and aesthetics. Designs like these, made by skilled artisans, were intended for use by other craftsmen, like sculptors and cabinetmakers, and offered a repertoire of motifs that could be adapted to various media. It challenges the idea of a singular artistic genius, emphasizing the importance of dissemination and skillful reproduction.