Ornamentrand 16th century

This Ornamentrand was etched by Monogrammist F, but we are unable to determine exactly when. The artist created an ornamental design in the form of a horizontal rectangle. The formal qualities of the design point towards a fascinating moment in the institutional history of the arts. These types of prints were widely produced in sixteenth-century Europe, a moment of increased trade between Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Ornamentrand imitates the look of Iznik pottery from Turkey, a highly sought-after luxury good in Europe. The design indicates the growing appetite of the European market for art objects that alluded to other cultures. Artists in Europe produced etchings that served as guides for other artisans to imitate the motifs found on imported luxury goods. Understanding this image means researching the material history of early printmaking and the economic history of global trade.