Series of Designs for Cartouches and Ornaments

Fifteen prints of a series of 24 with designs for cartouches and other ornaments, previously attributed to the Italian artist Federico Zuccaro. This attribution dates from the eighteenth century, however, and is based on the title "Recueil de divers cartels à la manière antique, de l'invention de Fréderic Zuccaro" given to the series in 1765, when it was reissued by the French publisher Charles-Antoine Jombert as part of his Repertoire des Artistes. There appear to be no direct links to the Italian artist, nor an original Italian print series on which the French prints were based. Instead, the series appears to originate from France. They were engraved by Pierre Firens, who also published the first edition under his name. It is known in several other states and editions including one by Pierre II Mariette. The name of Jacob van der Heyden appears on another print in the Museum's collection, and suggests that he too may have published an edition of the prints.The current plates are from the edition published by Pierre Mariette. They are numbered in the lower left corner, 9 through 23. The first eight sheets and the final one appear to be missing.

The series was popular throughout the seventeenth century, and is also known in several copies made in France, Belgium and England. One print originally thought to be from an original Italian series, but instead originating from a set of copies by H. Picart, has been inserted by the Museum as a comparison.