Cartouche met gevleugeld mascaron bovenaan c. 1628

H. Picart created this ornamental cartouche, with a winged mascaron at the top, as an engraving. The elaborate ornamentation is reminiscent of the Baroque period, which saw cartouches used as frames for emblems, coats of arms, or inscriptions on buildings and furniture. Looking at the image, we see a symmetrical design with a central shield-like form. At the top, a grotesque mask with wings adds a dramatic flourish. The overall effect is one of grandeur and power, evoking the aesthetics of aristocratic display. Without further research, it is difficult to say how this particular cartouche was meant to function. What is clear, however, is that the design incorporates visual codes that would have been instantly recognizable to its original audience. To fully understand the social context of this image, we might consult period pattern books, architectural treatises, and historical accounts of aristocratic culture. By examining these kinds of sources, we can begin to understand the role of such images in the construction of social identity and the reinforcement of institutional power.