Cartouche met twee putti bovenaan 1634

Daniel Rabel created this etching titled ‘Cartouche with two putti at the top’ sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The print presents us with a contrast between the natural and the artificial, and offers a glimpse into the cultural values of its time. The elaborate cartouche framing a peaceful landscape scene speaks volumes about the artistic conventions and social priorities of the period. Made in France during the Baroque era, the print reflects the era’s love for ornamentation, seen in the symmetrically arranged foliage, the cherubic figures, and the intricate scrollwork. This contrasts with the seemingly 'natural' pastoral scene of figures in the landscape contained within. In order to understand the piece more fully, one might research prints like this in the context of the French court, its gardens and country estates. Through attention to the history of institutions of art, we are better able to understand the social and cultural forces that shape artistic production.