Ornament met een Mercuriusgezicht 1723

"Ornament met een Mercuriusgezicht" (1723) by Dutch artist Bernard Picart is a striking example of Rococo ornamentation. The intricate design, featuring a central motif of Mercury's head adorned with wings, is framed by elaborate, asymmetrical scrollwork inspired by natural forms. This etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, demonstrates Picart's mastery of this popular decorative style. The artwork's small size hints at its intended use as a design element for furniture, textiles, or other decorative objects.