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From the exhibition

Title Page, Sixth Book

Gilles-Marie Oppenord, French, 1672–1742 · Early 18th century

Title Page, Sixth Book
This ornamental title page announces the sixth volume of a series on architectural ornament and design. The composition exemplifies Rococo principles: a theatrical arrangement of acanthus scrolls, putti, and sculptural elements frames a central cartouche. Below, a fireplace mantelpiece demonstrates applied ornament in domestic architecture. Such engraved design manuals served as pattern books for craftsmen and architects across Europe, establishing visual conventions that influenced decorative arts for generations. The layered compositional structure—with framing elements, central text, and lower illustration—anticipates the sequential panel organization that would define later graphic narratives.

Public domain, restored and presented by comicbooks.com CC0