Blackwork Designs with Putti and Felines, Plate 8 from a Series of Blackwork Ornaments combined with Figures, Birds, Animals and Flowers 1622

This intricate engraving, "Blackwork Designs with Putti and Felines," is a plate from a series of blackwork ornaments featuring figures, birds, animals, and flowers. Created in 1622 by Meinert Gelijs, the piece showcases the artist's mastery of detail and ornamental design. The plate's central focus is a collection of intricate, blackwork designs, reminiscent of floral patterns and flowing lines. These are interspersed with charming depictions of putti (cherubs), a lion, and feline figures, further enhancing the decorative quality of the artwork. This engraving exemplifies the influence of the Mannerist and Baroque periods on decorative art, with its emphasis on detailed ornamentation and whimsical imagery.