Blackwork Print with a Roundel with Tendrils and Birds Above Two Ovals, from a Series of Blackwork Prints for Goldsmiths' Work 1615

Etienne Carteron created this Blackwork Print around 1618 as part of a series for goldsmiths' work. This print reflects the cultural values of the European Renaissance, a period marked by a revival of classical art, learning, and a growing interest in the natural world. The symmetrical design features motifs of nature – birds and foliage, framed by classical figures. What does it mean to create these designs? It is important to remember that these are not simply decorations. They provide templates for skilled artisans in a rigid hierarchical system. Designs like this would have been replicated in precious metals, gems, and enamel by goldsmiths, who were often regarded as craftspeople rather than artists. The print embodies a tension between artistic expression and social status, reflecting the complex relationship between the artist, the artisan, and the patron in early modern Europe. This small print gives us access to the social and economic history of the 17th Century.