Cartouche met een tekst van Valerius Maximus 1557

This 1557 engraving by Frans Huys, titled "Cartouche met een tekst van Valerius Maximus," is a quintessential example of Northern Renaissance decorative art. The intricate detail of the cartouche, a decorative frame, is emphasized by a central inscription from the Roman historian Valerius Maximus. Huys's expert use of line and shading adds depth and texture, enhancing the visual appeal of this small-scale work. The inscription, which reads, "Vai Max LENTO GRADV AD VINDICTAM SVI DIVINA PROCE DIT IRA TARDITATEMO SVPPPLICA GRA VITATE COM- PENSAT," hints at the themes of justice and divine retribution, adding another layer of meaning to the artwork.