Frontispiece c. 1690

This etching, "Frontispiece," is a decorative piece created by the Italian artist Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti around 1690. The design features two intertwined serpents, their bodies forming a frame around an inscription, which includes the artist's name. The image is a fine example of the intricate detail and decorative flourishes characteristic of Baroque-era art. This frontispiece likely served as the opening illustration for a collection of designs, possibly for furniture or other decorative objects. The composition is visually striking, highlighting the artist's skill in representing the sinuous curves and textures of the serpents. The use of hatching and cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and volume, adding to the realism of the figures.