Design for the Frame of a Mirror or Fire Screen (recto); Various Sketches (verso). 1652 - 1725

This intricate pen-and-ink drawing by Italian artist Giovanni Battista Foggini, dating from 1652 to 1725, features a design for the frame of a mirror or fire screen. The drawing showcases the artist's mastery of Rococo ornamentation, with swirling, asymmetrical curves and elaborate foliage motifs. The meticulous detail and elegant composition exemplify the refined aesthetic of the Baroque period in Italy. The drawing provides a glimpse into the artist's creative process and the decorative sensibilities of the time. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this exceptional artwork.