16th Century Renaissance Architectural Design Coloured Etching Wendel Dietterlin

A 16th Century Renaissance architectural design coloured etching by Wendel Dietterlin from his 1598 Architectura.

The etching depicts an elaborate, highly detailed, and symmetrical architectural or cartouche design featuring a large central blank oval space. The design is heavily ornamented with architectural elements, scrolling foliage, grotesque masks, and human or mythical figures, characteristic of Northern Renaissance Mannerism. The print is hand-coloured and framed in an ornate gold-toned frame and set within a cream-colored mat with gold and red inner linings.

Believed to be original late 16th century and then coloured at a later date - it certainly does not appear to be a recreation from the 1867 'Examples of decorative applications in architecture and painting from Antiquity to the present day. Antiquity, Roman period, Gothic period, Renaissance, modern art. Part 1.' as there are differences in the background and this is less cropped.

Wendel Dietterlin (c. 1550-1599) was a German Mannerist painter, printmaker, and architectural theoretician. His career highlights focus on his 1598 treatise, Architectura, a book of ornamental engravings that cemented his reputation as a master of Northern Renaissance architectural ornament. He is best known for creating highly imaginative and often grotesque designs for architectural features that blend classical forms with Gothic and Mannerist elements, influencing craftsmen across Europe.

Frame: 45.5 x 37.5 cm - Etching: 26.5 x 19.5 cm

In great condition ready to be hung and displayed.