Candelabra Grotesque with a Female Figure in a Niche and Two Sphinxes 1540 - 1570

This anonymous drawing from the 16th century showcases the ornate and intricate style of Mannerism. The work features a central female figure in a niche, flanked by two sphinxes. The composition is rich with decorative elements, including a candelabra grotesque, floral motifs, and reclining figures. The use of a combination of linear hatching and gray wash adds depth and complexity to the design, creating a sense of both decorative beauty and symbolic weight. This drawing, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is an excellent example of the inventive and highly stylized decorative arts of the Renaissance.