Rand met een mascaron 1571 - 1639

This anonymous engraving from the 16th-17th century is an example of a *grotesque* design, a popular decorative style that emerged during the Renaissance. "Rand met een mascaron" translates to "Border with a mascaron," referring to the central motif of a human face framed by elaborate scrolling foliage and winged figures. Grotesque designs often incorporate fantastical elements, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman and Greek art. This intricate design could have been intended for a variety of decorative purposes, such as book illustrations or architectural ornamentation. The engraving, which is 92 mm high and 149 mm wide, provides a detailed and elegant example of this popular design style.