Twee ovale panelen before 1800

These two oval panels of unknown origin reside here at the Rijksmuseum. Their creation is an echo of the social and cultural life, specifically, the ornamental tastes of the elite during the Renaissance. The prints present a fascinating contrast. The top panel teems with a lively, almost chaotic scene featuring human figures and elaborate decorative motifs. In contrast, the lower panel offers a more ordered aesthetic, dominated by foliage and a central, mask-like figure, possibly referencing classical antiquity, reflecting the era’s fascination with the past. What's particularly evocative about these panels is the question of anonymity. Who was the artist, and what did they intend to communicate through these designs? Perhaps they were a skilled artisan whose name has been lost to history, or perhaps a conscious choice was made to not include it. The emotional resonance of these panels lies in the mystery of their creation. They reflect the complex dance between visibility and erasure that shapes our understanding of history.