# What is a Cartouche?
**A cartouche is a decorative architectural ornament in the form of a (half-)scrolled shield or parchment roll, serving as a frame for an inscription, coat of arms, date or other symbol.** Cartouches are frequently found on the facades of Renaissance, Baroque and 19th-century eclectic buildings.
## Features
– **Shield shape** — the base is usually oval, round or shield-shaped
– **Scrollwork** — the edges are decorated with scrolled volutes, foliage or ribbons
– **Relief** — cartouches are executed in high or low relief and project from the facade
– **Central motif** — the centre contains a text, date, coat of arms or symbol
## Application
Cartouches can be found on:
– **Facades** — above doors, windows or in the gable, often showing the year of construction
– **Gatehouses** — bearing the family or city coat of arms
– **Churches and public buildings** — as decorative frames around inscriptions
– **Funerary monuments** — with names and dates
– **Interiors** — in stucco ceilings and above fireplace mantels
In architectural history, cartouches are a valuable source of information because they often record the year of construction or the patron of a building.
## Material
Cartouches are executed in natural stone (sandstone, limestone), stucco, wood or cast iron.
## Related Terms
– Ornament
– Relief
– Facade decoration
– Pediment
– Coat of arms
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