Series of Cartouches, in: Targhe ed altri ornati di varie e capricciose invenzioni (Cartouches and other ornaments of various and capricious invention, page 51) 1540 - 1560

This engraved design, created by Cornelis Bos between 1540 and 1560, is a prime example of a cartouche, a decorative element used to frame text or images. It is characterized by intricate scrolls, grotesque masks, and a central landscape framed by a chain. The "Targhe ed altri ornati" series, this design from, which features a variety of decorative elements, is indicative of the burgeoning interest in ornamentation during the Renaissance. This print showcases the skillful hand of Bos, a prominent figure in the Dutch Mannerist movement. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York houses this exquisite work, offering art enthusiasts a glimpse into the world of Renaissance design.