Designs for Overmantles 18th century

This anonymous 18th-century drawing, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases four designs for overmantles. The intricate pen-and-ink sketches depict elaborate frames with intricate Rococo ornamentation, including garlands of flowers, scrolled foliage, and a central cartouche. These designs are typical of the period's focus on asymmetry and playful curves, aiming to create a sense of elegance and grandeur for the fireplace surround. The drawing provides insight into the decorative style and aesthetic preferences of the era, demonstrating the Rococo's influence on interior design.