Cartouche with Title: Nouvelles inventions de Cartouches 1647

This etching, "Cartouche with Title: Nouvelles inventions de Cartouches," by Stefano della Bella (1610-1664), is a classic example of Baroque-era decorative art. Created in 1647, the piece features a highly detailed, swirling cartouche, a decorative frame used to contain text or images. Two fantastical creatures flank the central oval, their bodies intertwined with elaborate foliage. The etching's rich details and dynamic composition highlight the ornate aesthetic of the era. The inscription reveals the work's function as a title page for a publication of new designs for cartouches, showcasing the artistic versatility of Della Bella.