Cartouche met drakenkop bovenaan 1632

Daniel Rabel created this print of a cartouche with a dragon's head at the top sometime in the early 17th century. The cartouche is a kind of elaborate frame, often used to surround coats of arms or other symbols of power and status. This particular cartouche is topped by a fearsome dragon's head. But why a dragon? In the 17th century, dragons were often associated with wealth, protection, and power, especially for noble families. Looking at the scene within the cartouche, we see a landscape with figures and a grand building in the background, suggesting an idealized vision of aristocratic life. Prints like these were crucial for spreading artistic ideas across Europe and beyond. Artists, and their patrons, were keen to align themselves with the power structures of the day. By studying such prints, we can learn much about the social and cultural values of the time. To understand this work better, consider exploring emblem books, heraldry, and the history of garden design.