Titelprent met leeg wapenschild geflankeerd door twee Genii 1631 - 1661

This is Israel Silvestre’s title page with an empty coat of arms, flanked by two Genii made in the 17th century. Silvestre was a draughtsman, etcher, and printmaker who came from a family of artists. During the 17th century, the concept of the genius underwent a transformation; it moved from a representation of innate talent to a symbol of inspiration, and these figures came to represent the spirit of creativity and ingenuity. Here, cherubic figures frame a blank shield, a space awaiting the inscription of identity, lineage, or achievement. The emptiness of the shield is striking—a void that prompts consideration of what defines status. Silvestre made prints of landscapes and architecture, often focusing on the grandeur and beauty of palaces and gardens, catering to the tastes of an aristocratic clientele. Consider how Silvestre’s work offers a window into a society deeply invested in symbols of status, legacy, and the narratives we construct around ourselves.