Fries met in het midden een borstkuras c. 1500 - 1600

This ornamental frieze with a breastplate in the middle was made in the 16th century by an artist known only by the monogram MHF. The image combines naturalistic elements with elements of warfare and of craft. The combination of idealized forms and a display of armour reflects the cultural values of 16th century Europe. Images such as these played a role in shaping social status, cultural identity and expressing cultural power. Friese such as these, made by printmakers, would have been collected in albums and used by craftsmen as templates. This print belongs to a larger shift in the understanding of art production in which there was a movement away from the guilds and toward the academy. As art became increasingly associated with intellectual pursuits, the social status of the artist began to change. By studying the printmaking techniques, the historical context, and the artist's influences, we gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.