Ornamental Design for Niche 1700 - 1800

This 18th-century drawing by Leonardo Marini is a design for an ornamental niche, a common architectural feature in Baroque and Rococo design. The intricate, swirling detail, featuring delicate scrolls and cherubs, is characteristic of the Rococo style, which emphasized asymmetry, elegance, and decorative flourishes. The drawing is likely a preparatory sketch for a larger, more elaborate architectural project. Marini, an Italian artist who worked in Rome, was known for his exquisite drawings, often depicting architectural details and decorative elements. This drawing, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind Rococo architectural ornamentation.