Cartouche met rolwerk 1579

This 1579 drawing, from the Rijksmuseum, is a fine example of a cartouche, a decorative element often used in architectural ornamentation. The cartouche, which features a circular central panel surrounded by ornate scrollwork, is an anonymous work created by an unknown artist. It contains text referencing a historical account of David and Saul, suggesting the cartouche may have been intended for a book or other printed publication. The scrollwork is typical of the Mannerist style, which favored intricate patterns and bold forms.