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This is a drawing of an ornate architectural detail. The image showcases an intricately designed architectural pediment with an empty heraldic shield at its center. The structure is embellished with acanthus leaves, volutes, and carved keystones that highlight the archway below. The precision of the lines gives texture to the surface, with a focus on symmetry and balance. Ornamental touches such as floral motifs and decorative reliefs enhance the grandeur and sophistication of the design.
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This is a drawing of an ornate architectural detail. The image showcases an intricately designed architectural pediment with an empty heraldic shield at its center. The structure is embellished with acanthus leaves, volutes, and carved keystones that highlight the archway below. The precision of the lines gives texture to the surface, with a focus on symmetry and balance. Ornamental touches such as floral motifs and decorative reliefs enhance the grandeur and sophistication of the design.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Architectural Motif with Three Shields, Two with Figures

Carlo Antonio Buffagnotti

Date
c. 1690
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 11.3 x 9.2 cm (4 7/16 x 3 5/8 in.) sheet: 17.4 x 12.2 cm (6 7/8 x 4 13/16 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1997.10.4
Credit line
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Time span
1651 to 1700
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Series
Vari Capricii di Fughe Inventate et intagliate da Carlo Buffagnotti

Subjects and terms

  • Italian
  • etching
  • detail and ornament
  • architecture
Provenance

(Bernard Quaritch Ltd.); purchased by NGA, 1997.

Inscription

by later hand, lower right in pen and brown ink: 17; by later hand, lower center in graphite: Buffagnotti di Bologna

NGA object ID 102370. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.