Fama zittend op bol before 1689

Editor: This is an engraving called "Fama zittend op bol", or Fame seated on a globe, dating from before 1689 by an anonymous artist. The winged figure and the two tigers give it a dramatic, almost theatrical flair. What strikes you about it? Curator: I'm intrigued by the way it visualizes power dynamics of knowledge and visibility in the Baroque era. "Fama," personifying rumor or fame, sits atop a globe, flanked by fierce tigers and ornate horns—symbols of both authority and the potential for misinformation. How might this image reflect anxieties about the spread of news and reputation in a pre-mass media society? Editor: That's a great point, because she holds a star and crescent—I didn't initially connect that to “news,” but of course it is tied to navigation and trade. Curator: Precisely! Think about the historical context: The rise of print culture, expanding trade routes, and increased social mobility were changing the flow of information and potentially undermining established hierarchies. Does this print, in its allegorical form, reinforce or question those power structures? Editor: I guess it could do both? The powerful imagery certainly makes a statement of authority. But by portraying Fame, known for her unreliability, there could be an underlying criticism about the merit of "fame". Curator: Exactly. Also note the presence of what look like male lions on both sides—what power structures and anxieties might be made invisible? Editor: Hmmm, I wonder if the lions could be there to reinforce patriarchy within this allegory, and silence or make other voices disappear. It feels like there's so much hidden under the surface. Curator: These images invite a complex dialogue! Looking closer reveals layers of meaning and power that continue to resonate. Editor: Definitely! It shows me the real impact historical context has in the world of art. Thanks for expanding my understanding!