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Design for Escutcheon, with Skulls and Books, n.d. Creator: Unknown
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Design for Escutcheon, with Skulls and Books, n.d. Creator: Unknown
Design for Escutcheon, with Skulls and Books, n.d
Heritage Images features heritage image collections
Media ID 36203622
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
Black Chalk Books Door Door Handle Doors Escutcheon Genoa Keystone Archives Plate Skull Skulls Wash Laid Paper
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing design for an escutcheon, or decorative door plate, dates back to the 16th or 17th century and is a captivating blend of skulls and books. The unknown artist masterfully employed black chalk and brown wash on ivory laid paper to bring this concept to life. The central focus of the design is a pair of skulls, their hollow eye sockets and toothy grins serving as a poignant reminder of mortality. Surrounding the skulls are open books, their pages filled with an undecipherable script. The books, with their leather-bound covers and tasseled ribbons, add an intellectual and scholarly element to the design. The escutcheon is further adorned with a keystone arch, adding a sense of stability and strength. The origins of this design are unclear, with some speculation pointing towards German or Italian influence. This historic artwork, with its intriguing combination of morbidity and intellect, is a fascinating glimpse into the past and a testament to the enduring allure of the macabre and the written word. The Design for Escutcheon, with Skulls and Books, is currently housed in the Prints and Drawings department of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it continues to inspire and intrigue visitors from around the world.
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