Targhe ed altri ornati di varie e capricciose invenzioni (Cartouches and other ornaments of various and capricious invention, page 9) 1773

This etching, "Targhe ed altri ornati di varie e capricciose invenzioni," is a page from a 1773 book of ornamental designs created by Jacob Floris, a 16th-century Dutch artist known for his Mannerist style. The print features a circular cartouche, a decorative element used for framing and showcasing text, with a fantastical scene of a sea monster and a man with a large, swirling tail. The intricate details, including birds, flowers, and other motifs, are characteristic of Floris’ work and demonstrate his innovative use of ornament and artistic expression.