Design for a Cartouche, Plate 1 from 'Neü inventierte sehr dienstiche Schilde oder Cartouches' 1750 - 1756

This is a plate from a book of decorative designs by German artist Jeremias Wachsmuth, entitled "Neü inventierte sehr dienstiche Schilde oder Cartouches". The design is an intricate cartouche in the Rococo style, characterized by flowing, asymmetrical lines and elaborate ornamentation. The plate is engraved and printed in black ink on paper. The cartouche would have been used as a decorative element in various design projects, such as furniture, architecture, and textiles. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds this piece in its collection.