Design for Two Cartouches 16th century

This is an ink drawing on paper titled 'Design for Two Cartouches', made by an anonymous artist. The cartouche, or ornamental frame, is more than just decoration. It is a deeply rooted symbol of identity and memory. In ancient Egypt, the cartouche, oval in shape, enclosed the name of a Pharaoh, protecting it for eternity. Here, we see the cartouche stripped bare, a frame awaiting its content, a symbol of potential meaning. Note the scroll-like flourishes adorning these designs. These echoes of classical forms remind us of the Renaissance, a period obsessed with antiquity's rediscovery. These motifs speak to the enduring human need to frame our world, to give form to the formless. It's a reminder of how forms resurface, evolve, and take on new meanings.