Targhe ed altri ornati di varie e capricciose invenzioni (Cartouches and other ornaments of various and capricious invention, page 14)

Art Historical Context

Welcome to the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, where showcase *Targhe ed altriati di varie e capricose invenzioni (Cartouches and other ornaments various and capricious invention page 14)*, a delightful etching and engraving from 1773 attributed to Carlo Losi after Hans Vredeman de. This intricate plate, measuring about 8¼ × 10⅝ inches overall, features whimsical cartouches—ornate, scrolling frames bursting with fantastical motifs like strapwork, foliage, and mythical creatures. Vredeman de Vries, a 16th-century Flemish master of Mannerism, pioneered such "capricious inventions" in his influential pattern books, which inspired generations of artists and designers. Published over a century later, this 1773 edition reflects the enduring appeal of Renaissance ornamentation during the Rococo era, when elaborate decoration adorned everything from furniture to architecture. Ornament prints like this served as practical toolkits for craftsmen, goldsmiths, and architects, disseminating innovative designs across Europe. Losi's skilled etching and engraving techniques capture the fine lines and textures with remarkable precision, allowing for easy reproduction and adaptation. Step closer to admire how these playful, asymmetrical forms blend symmetry with fantasy—a testament to the creative spirit of decorative arts. Acquired through the Daniel Ergmann Gift in 2014, this page invites you to imagine its motifs gracing a grand mantel or illuminated manuscript.

About the Artist

Carlo Losi|Hans Vredeman de Vries (Italian|Central European) · 1757 |1524 –1805 |1581

Italian, 1757– after 1805|Central European, 1524–1581