Titelpagina met vignet uit: Rousset, Oorlogskundige Beschryving van de Veldslagen en Belegeringen, Tweede Deel (1729) 1729

Editor: This is the title page for the second volume of "Oorlogskundige Beschryving van de Veldslagen en Belegeringen" from 1729, created by Leonard Schenk. It’s quite striking. All that Baroque typography, and then that dramatic little vignette... It feels almost theatrical. What stories do you think this title page is trying to tell? Curator: Ah, stories! This isn't just ink on paper; it's a carefully crafted prelude to tales of military prowess! Think of it as a Baroque movie poster, hinting at the drama within. Leonard Schenk is selling us not just information, but the *experience* of war. I see a very Dutch obsession with order and information combined with pure showmanship! Did the combination capture your attention? Editor: It absolutely did! I guess I hadn't really thought about typography as being so… expressive. The strong contrast between the red text and the black adds to the drama as well. How would something like this be received in its time? Curator: Consider that war was a near-constant reality. This isn't just about facts; it's about honour, reputation, and national identity. That small illustration becomes the set for your imagination! Schenk's design flatters its readers with the promise of enlightenment. In those days, being learned in war strategy could be considered something between virtue signaling and a mark of leadership! It speaks to a culture fascinated by – and invested in – the theater of war. What kind of virtues would such an art work try to capture these days? Editor: Hmm, probably…authenticity? It’s strange to think about how much even title pages are trying to perform. I will definitely remember to bring these thoughts with me next time I approach Baroque artwork! Curator: Indeed! It’s the art of capturing not just eyes, but minds, by hinting at narratives, experiences, and aspirations that speaks volumes of past zeitgeist!