Printer's Mark of Anselm Giaccarellus 1550

Curator: This print, titled "Printer's Mark of Anselm Giaccarellus," is from an unknown artist. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The image strikes me as rather dramatic, even theatrical, with its central figure locked in mortal combat with a monstrous serpent. Curator: Absolutely. The labor involved in producing such detail through engraving would have been considerable; consider the paper, ink, and press used to disseminate Giaccarellus's work. Editor: And beyond craft, consider that central figure—likely Hercules—wrestling with the dragon, Ladon, guarding the golden apples. It’s a clear visual statement about overcoming adversity. Curator: Indeed, and note how the printer's name and location are embedded within the design itself, inextricably linking the physical product with its origin. Editor: A potent reminder that images aren't just aesthetic; they’re embedded with cultural meaning. Curator: Precisely, and the circulation of these marks played a critical role in the history of printing and book production. Editor: It’s fascinating to unpack the layers of symbolism intertwined with the printer's identity.