Grotesques Designs with Various Inscriptions (recto); Candelabra Grotesque and Two Putti Holding Flowers (verso) 1540 - 1550

This pen-and-ink drawing by Andrés de Melgar, titled "Grotesques Designs with Various Inscriptions (recto); Candelabra Grotesque and Two Putti Holding Flowers (verso)," is a prime example of 16th-century ornamental design. The recto features a series of grotesque figures, decorative elements, and inscriptions, while the verso showcases a candelabra-shaped grotesque and two putti holding flowers. Melgar’s masterful use of line and detail creates a sense of both whimsy and sophistication, reflecting the artistic trends of the Renaissance period. The drawing is a testament to Melgar's talent for combining the classical with the fantastical.