Cartouche of epitaaf bekroond met schelp en masker c. 1670 - 1680

This 17th century etching by Lodovico Mattioli, depicts an elaborate frame for an epitaph, a common architectural feature in Baroque Italy. The frame is ornamented with a variety of decorative elements, including scrolling foliage, masks, shells, and a central cartouche. Mattioli, a renowned Italian artist, was known for his intricate and detailed engravings of architectural elements. This design reflects the Baroque penchant for ornate and dramatic decoration, and would have been intended to enhance the visual impact of a commemorative inscription.