Design for a Cartouche Decorated with a Mask, Swags and Rosettes. 1790 - 1800

Sebastiano Cavina's "Design for a Cartouche Decorated with a Mask, Swags and Rosettes" is a detailed pencil drawing from the late 18th century. This work is an example of decorative design, featuring an intricate cartouche, a decorative frame often used for heraldic symbols or inscriptions. The drawing showcases the artist's mastery of detail, with elaborate floral swags, rosettes, and a central mask, creating a visually rich composition. The cartouche's empty center suggests its intended purpose as a template for a more personalized design. The artwork is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, NY, offering a glimpse into decorative design and artistic practice during the late 18th century.