Architecture & Design
€ 270
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Strong, vivid colors with minimal toning. Slight margin smudging and light age wear.
Renaissance Ornament Print – “Por la Gracia de Dios” Panel with Cherubs & Scrollwork
This striking chromolithograph, Plate LXIII from L’Ornement Polychrome (Paris, c.1869), presents a highly decorative Renaissance cartouche framed by intricate grotesques, elaborate scrolls, and vibrant color flourishes. Lithographed by Baurin and printed by Firmin-Didot Frères, this composition is a fine example of Spanish Renaissance ornament.
At the heart of the composition is a dark central panel bearing a bold cartouche flanked by fantastical creatures and crowned by the inscription “POR LA GRA. DE DIOS” (“By the Grace of God”), a traditional phrase associated with divine monarchy and authority in Iberian heraldry.
Surrounding the central field is a golden frame adorned with:
– Cherubs (putti) bearing garlands and instruments, symbolizing divine joy and creative vitality
– Human and animal grotesques, some in theatrical masks and jester-like attire
– Scrollwork in rich jewel tones, accented with blue, red, pink, and green flourishes
– Architectural motifs, such as niches, pilasters, and volutes, all referencing Renaissance interior design
Along the lower margin, five ornate initials spell the word “JMELI” or possibly a name. Each letter is filled with miniature scenes—saints, jesters, and mythological creatures—typical of Renaissance manuscript embellishments.
The stylistic features, especially the combination of classical and grotesque forms, speak to the Mannerist impulse of the late Renaissance period, where fantasy, symmetry, and visual complexity were celebrated in architectural decoration and book arts.
Ideal for collectors of Renaissance prints, interior designers, or anyone drawn to historical European ornament, this plate reflects the color-rich legacy of 16th-century Spanish decorative traditions.
Condition: Excellent. Strong, vivid colors with minimal toning. Slight margin smudging and light age wear.
Framing tips: A gilt frame with a wide ivory or cream mat will highlight the regal hues. For added drama, use a deep indigo or burgundy inner mat to echo the palette.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Baurin (lith.), Firmin-Didot Frères, Paris, c.1869
