Paggi del Signore 1598

Editor: "Paggi del Signore," made in 1598 by Christoph Krieger, rendered through intaglio, really intrigues me. The ornamental quality and almost miniature feel make me want to know more about its original context. What am I missing? Curator: Well, looking at it from a historical perspective, consider the function of prints at that time. Prints served as a crucial means of disseminating images and information. This print likely wasn't created as a standalone artwork, but as part of a larger publication, perhaps a book on costumes or courtly life. What does the inscription, "Paggi del Signore," suggest to you? Editor: Pages of the Lord? I see, it gives us a hint! The subject appears to be a young page, a servant of a nobleman perhaps. So this print would show members of a specific social class. Curator: Precisely. And consider who was commissioning and consuming these prints. Usually members of the elite who wanted a vision of themselves, so you also have to look into patronage! Knowing who consumed these kinds of images informs our reading of it, understanding it's public role, but also who had power. Now, does this change the tone of the image? Editor: Definitely. It's easy to see this as just a picture of a servant, but you have pointed out its public, performative aspect of presenting the image to its viewers. The circulation and reproduction is significant too, in ways that I previously hadn't appreciated! Curator: Exactly. And appreciating this print within its historical context illuminates not only its artistic intent but also its crucial role in the social and political dynamics of the Renaissance. Editor: Thank you. I now realize that focusing solely on the aesthetic misses the significant historical impact.