Cartouche met aan beide zijde een mascaron 1569

This 1569 engraving by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum is a masterful example of the intricate and detailed designs popular in the 16th century. The "Cartouche met aan beide zijde een mascaron" features a central cartouche framed by elaborate ornamentation including birds, foliage, and grotesques. The top of the piece showcases an alphabet, providing a practical element for decorative text. The artwork is characteristic of the Mannerist style, utilizing a complex and often exaggerated visual language to achieve an elegant and highly refined aesthetic. The work is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum.