Plate 9: a cartouche with the head of a ram at top center, flowers at top left and right, from 'Twelve cartouches' (Recueil de douze cartouches) 1640 - 1645

François Collignon created this etching, Plate 9: a cartouche, as part of a series, ‘Twelve cartouches.’ The print presents a decorative frame, adorned with a ram’s head at the top and floral arrangements on either side. Made in France during the 17th century, this cartouche reflects the period’s fascination with ornamentation. These cartouches were not produced as art objects, but rather as models for other artisans. Prints like this were essential for disseminating artistic ideas in a pre-photographic age. Note the inscription ‘Cum Privilegio Regis’ at the bottom right, indicating that the artist had permission from the king to produce and sell this image. Copyright was controlled by the state at this time. To fully understand this image, we might consult period pattern books and archival records of artistic commissions. In doing so we recognize that the meaning of this image is contingent on its historical context.