Rocaille cartouche 1761 - 1769

This is a drawing of a Rocaille cartouche designed by Gilles Demarteau between 1761 and 1769. The Rocaille style, characterized by its elaborate, asymmetrical, and often shell-like forms, was popular in the 18th century. Demarteau’s drawing features a swirling, organic design that embodies this style. The cartouche, a decorative element used in architecture and design, would have been intended for a variety of applications, such as framing a coat of arms or adding a decorative element to furniture.