Design for a Frieze with Putto and Acanthus Scroll 17th century

This 17th-century anonymous drawing, "Design for a Frieze with Putto and Acanthus Scroll," is a preparatory sketch for a decorative element. It depicts a cherubic figure, or putto, reclining amidst a swirling arrangement of acanthus leaves and scrolls. The drawing's delicate lines and subtle shading create a sense of depth and volume, hinting at the intended three-dimensional form. The design likely would have been realized in carved stone or plaster, embellishing a building's architectural features. Such decorative friezes, incorporating classical motifs and organic forms, were common in the Baroque period, reflecting a renewed interest in classical antiquity and the grandeur of Roman ornament. This drawing, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers insight into the creative process of a skilled craftsman working in a popular decorative style.