Various Designs for Rocaille Ornaments, Plate 4 from an Untitled Series of Rocaille Ornaments for Frames 1745 - 1755

This etching, "Various Designs for Rocaille Ornaments, Plate 4," is a part of an untitled series of designs for frame ornamentation by German artist Jacob Gottlieb Thelot, created between 1745 and 1755. It exemplifies the Rococo style, characterized by asymmetrical, flowing lines, and elaborate ornamentation often inspired by nature. The design features several intricate rocaille motifs that are often used to decorate frames, furniture, and architectural elements. The piece, currently located at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, provides a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century decorative art and the artistic influences that shaped Rococo design.