Ornamental Panel 1514 - 1600

This anonymous 16th century print, titled "Ornamental Panel," features a striking example of grotesque ornamentation, a popular artistic motif during the Renaissance. The panel showcases a central, stylized human face, surrounded by intricately detailed foliage. The face, known as a Green Man, is a common symbol of nature and rebirth, often used in architectural decoration. The artist's skillful use of line and shading creates a sense of depth and texture, adding to the ornamental panel's visual appeal. This small-scale work, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, offers a glimpse into the decorative artistry of the late Renaissance.