Title Page for Agostino Mascardi, Silvarium Libri IV

Theodor Galle after Sir Peter Paul Rubens

National Gallery of Art

This image shows an intricate title page design. In the center, a block of text in a serif typeface reads "AVGUSTINI MASCARDI SILVARVM LIBRI IV AD ALEXANDRVM PRINCIPEM ESTENSEM S.R.E. CARDINALEM." Flanking the text are two angelic figures. One holds a lyre and the other has a trumpet. Above the text, there is an ornate medallion bordered by laurel leaves with a profile of a classical figure. Below the text, two classical masks are depicted: one with a neutral expression on the left and another possibly comedic expression on the right. This drawing demonstrates the baroque style of historical title pages with intricate detail, classic iconography, and balanced symmetric design elements.