19th Century Atelier Scroll Drawing

19th Century Atelier Scroll Drawing
Full Scale Rococo Cartouche or Frame Design Study
c. 1820–1870 | 19.5″ × 30″ | Original Scroll Format with Wood Rods

This antique scroll features a full scale, hand drawn study for an ornamental cartouche or mirror frame, executed in sweeping Rococo curves and deeply stylized foliate motifs. The design is drawn in graphite on aged, foxed paper, with visible construction lines and working marks throughout, a true studio draft likely intended for use in furniture carving, mirror making, or decorative plasterwork.

Unlike presentation drawings, this piece retains the rough planning elements of active workshop use: light penciled grids, some corrections, and asymmetries that speak to the artisan’s hand. It’s mounted top and bottom on its original turned wood rods with a rich, dark-stained finish suggesting it was pinned up or hung in a studio for reference.

Materials & Construction:

• Medium: Graphite on paper

• Mounting: Original dark wood rods (top and bottom)

• Dimensions: 19.5″ × 30″ (49.5 × 76 cm)

• Condition: Visible foxing, surface wear, fold marks, creases, and minor losses to the edges. One small area of separation in lower corner. Unrestored, retaining beautiful antique character.

Key Features:

• Full scale artisan drawing for a Rococo cartouche or frame

• Likely used as a master draft for wood, gesso, or plaster ornament production

• Richly patinated paper surface with deep workshop history

• Scroll mounted for display or archival framing

• One of a kind visual document of 19th century decorative design process

Display & Styling:
Highly decorative and dramatic when hung vertically or floated in a shadowbox frame. Perfect for antique collectors, frame makers, set designers, or anyone curating an interior with depth and European design history. It also pairs beautifully with other atelier scrolls as part of a themed collection.