Ornament Panel: Mars, God of Battles

Nicoletto da Modena

National Gallery of Art

This print shows an intricate symmetrical design featuring mythological figures, animals, and ornamental motifs. There is a central vertical axis around which various elements and figures are symmetrically arranged, and the page is entirely filled with designs. At the top, there is a seated figure holding two standards on either side of a Latin inscription, flanked by people with wings and others standing next to rearing horses. The middle section continues with similarly detailed adornments including classical motifs like vases, garlands, animal heads, and small cherubic figures. The lower section features what looks like a large fountain with three faces at the center, all arranged together. On either side of these faces, two people appear to be tied up. Above the faces are the letters N and R. In the bottom right and left corners, people with horns appear to ride strange dragon-like creatures with human faces.