Design for the End Pier of a Table 1537 - 1591

This pen-and-ink drawing by Giovanni Battista Naldini, dated between 1537 and 1591, depicts a design for the end pier of a table. The intricate design features a central cartouche with a stylized bird flanked by two reclining figures. The figures are adorned with elaborate headdresses and are supported by ornate, scrolled supports. The drawing showcases Naldini's skill in creating decorative elements and demonstrates the Italian Renaissance interest in classical ornament. This work, now held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, serves as a testament to the artist's craftsmanship and the enduring influence of Mannerist design principles on European art.