Verticale kwabcartouche met masker - Johannes Lutma

A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Johannes Lutma, showcasing the fluid, organic forms of the Dutch auricular style.

This etching by Johannes Lutma, a prominent Dutch goldsmith and engraver, exemplifies the kwabornament or auricular style. This aesthetic, which emerged in the mid-seventeenth century, is characterised by fluid, cartilage-like forms that appear to melt or shift. The design features a central oval void, framed by organic, fleshy scrolls that terminate in a mask at the base. The composition relies on the interplay of light and shadow, achieved through precise hatching and cross-hatching, to suggest a three-dimensional, malleable quality.

Lutma was a master of this style, which he applied to both his metalwork and his graphic designs. The auricular style often incorporates grotesque elements, such as the mask seen here, which adds a sense of mystery to the otherwise abstract, flowing geometry. The print served as a model for other craftsmen, providing a template for frames, cartouches, and decorative silver objects. The lack of rigid, straight lines reflects the period's fascination with the irregular and the organic, moving away from the strict symmetry of earlier Renaissance ornamentation.

As a museum-grade print, this piece offers a clear view into the technical skill required for seventeenth-century etching. The lines are controlled yet expressive, capturing the tension between the solid metal frame and the soft, almost liquid appearance of the ornament. It is a study in form and texture, demonstrating how decorative arts were disseminated through printed series during the Dutch Golden Age. This work remains a reference for those interested in the history of European ornament and the development of the auricular style in the Netherlands.