Fragment of a horizontal frieze with female bust in the center, garlands, anthemia, cut from a plate of border segments

About this artwork

"Fragment of a horizontal frieze with female bust in the center, garlands, anthemia, cut from a plate of border segments" by Francesco Rosselli, created in 1490–1500, is executed in engraving. This prints belongs to the Metropolitan Museum's Drawings and Prints collection. The work measures mount: 16 × 9 11/16 in. (40.6 × 24.6 cm) sheet: 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 in. (4.7 x 16.8 cm). The artwork entered the museum's collection through rogers fund, 1921.

Art Historical Context

Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints collection, delicate engraving by Francesco Rosselli, dated1490–1500, captures a fragment of a horizontal frieze. Titled *Fragment of a horizontal fr with female bust in the, garlands, anmia, cut from a of border segments*, it the Florentine artist's mastery of Renaissance ornamentation. Rosselli, a prominent engraver and publisher, works that bridged fine art and design, often drawing on classical motifs revived during Italy's cultural renaissance. At its heart is a serene female bust flanked by flowing garlands and elegant anthemia—stylized palmette motifs symbolizing protection and eternity in ancient Greek and Roman art. Cut from a larger plate of border segments, this tiny sheet (just 1 7/8 x 6 5/8 inches) was likely intended for practical use: adorning books, furniture, or architectural panels. Engraving, Rosselli's chosen medium, allowed for intricate lines and repeatable precision, making decorative patterns accessible beyond elite workshops. Acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1921, this print highlights the Renaissance fascination with antiquity, where artists like Rosselli transformed archaeological inspirations into versatile designs. Visitors, imagine it gracing a 15th-century studiolo— a testament to printmaking's role in disseminating beauty and harmony.