Design for a Cartouche, Plate 4 from 'Neü inventierte sehr dienstiche Schilde oder Cartouches' 1745 - 1755

This intricate etching, "Design for a Cartouche," is a plate from Jeremias Wachsmuth's 18th-century publication, "Neü inventierte sehr dienstiche Schilde oder Cartouches." This intricate design, showcasing the Rococo style with its characteristic flowing curves and delicate flourishes, would have been used as a decorative element in various applications. It demonstrates the Rococo period's penchant for ornamentation and decorative arts. The design exemplifies the highly skilled craftsmanship and intricate detail that defined the Rococo aesthetic, a style that flourished in Europe throughout the 18th century. The print, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, offers a glimpse into the decorative arts of the Rococo era.