Hartvormige cartouche met een citaat van Horatius 1556

This anonymous, 16th-century print, titled "Hartvormige cartouche met een citaat van Horatius" (Heart-shaped cartouche with a quote from Horace), is a prime example of a Mannerist design. It features a complex, intricately detailed design with a central heart-shaped cartouche containing a quote from the Roman poet Horace. The cartouche is surrounded by figures and decorative elements, such as grotesque masks and foliage, creating a visually rich and dynamic composition. The print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, reflects the artistic trends of the 16th century, showcasing the complex interplay of ornament and text that was characteristic of the period.