Printer's Mark of Jérome De Marnef c. 16th century

Curator: This is the "Printer's Mark of Jérôme de Marnef," a work from an unknown artist. What strikes you about it initially? Editor: The stark contrast! The meticulous hatching creates a powerful sense of depth and volume, especially in the griffin figure. Curator: Printer's marks like these were essentially logos, signaling the publisher's identity. Marnef was a prominent Parisian printer, and the griffin here, standing atop a cube and sphere, speaks volumes about the era's values and hierarchies. Editor: I see virtue and glory on one side, envy on the other. The composition uses the griffin as a powerful emblem of strength, literally elevated above worldly concerns. Curator: Absolutely. The iconography suggests an aspiration towards knowledge and moral fortitude. The printer is aligning himself with these ideals. Editor: It is fascinating how much meaning is packed into such a small, formally simple image. Curator: These emblems offer invaluable insights into the intellectual and cultural landscape of their time, which is why I find them endlessly fascinating.