Border Illustration with Scenes from the Life of Christ and Putti Pouring Wine

Netherlandish 17th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an ornate, illustrated border with empty central space. The drawing features an intricate border around a blank rectangular center, designed to resemble an elaborate frame. The border displays classical decorative elements including cherubic figures, swirling vines, and urns. This composition is richly detailed, with small figures and motifs. Within the vertical sides of the border, there are illustrative scenes set within oval cartouches, while the top is crowned with a star-like emblem flanked by smoky urns. The bottom features a row of vessels with two cherubs interacting with them.