Twee wapenschilden c. 1560 - 1623

Editor: We're looking at "Twee wapenschilden," or "Two Coats of Arms," an ink engraving by Theodor de Bry, dating sometime between 1560 and 1623. The detail is incredible; it feels so formal and almost secretive, doesn’t it? What do you make of its symbolism, particularly how it speaks to status and identity? Curator: Status, identity, power... yes, all intertwined here in this dense thicket of lines! The emblems, rendered with such meticulous care, would have spoken volumes to contemporaries, revealing lineage, alliances, and even personal aspirations. These aren't just decorations; they're carefully constructed narratives, wouldn’t you agree? Look at the juxtaposition of the fierce eagle crest above the helmets against the hearts that are in each of the shields, quite unusual... what do you think the symbolism suggests about family honor or social roles during this period? Editor: So, it's a whole visual language I'm just beginning to grasp. It feels very…rigid to our modern sensibilities. All this rule-following just to declare who you are. I suppose they didn’t have social media. Curator: Haha! True. Though maybe this _was_ their social media. And remember, art wasn’t always about breaking rules. Sometimes it was about enforcing them, or using them cleverly, much like rhyming couplets in poetry… do they confine the artist, or liberate them? I’m not sure myself, really. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered! It's fascinating to think of these rigid symbols as tools for expression, though it seems terribly exclusionary! I see the labor behind each meticulous engraving that must have been involved in their construction, not the kind of art I create on the computer. Curator: Indeed. And appreciating that craftsmanship allows us to engage with the artwork in a meaningful manner that extends beyond surface appearances. So, how has our short visit altered your understanding or perception? Editor: Definitely made me realize there's a lot more to coats of arms than just fancy decorations! I appreciate understanding its impact at the time it was made. Thanks for that, I will carry that new knowledge with me!