Copy of Frontispiece, from "Les Caprices" Series A, The Florence Set 1620 - 1700

Editor: So, this is a "Copy of Frontispiece, from 'Les Caprices' Series A, The Florence Set," dating roughly between 1620 and 1700, created by an anonymous artist. It's an etching with engraving and ink on drawing, held at The Met. My first impression is that it feels like a dark fairytale—but what’s your take? What draws your eye when you look at this? Curator: A dark fairytale indeed! For me, it's like peering into the playful subconscious of the Baroque era. I'm fascinated by how the lettering itself becomes an almost architectural element, adorned with these mischievous figures—part human, part creature—almost like gargoyles guarding a secret story. Notice how the rigid structure of the frame contrasts with the fluid lines of the figures? Editor: Absolutely! They’re sort of holding up the frame. Do you think they represent anything specific? Curator: Perhaps the weight of tradition? Or the inherent tension between structure and imagination. "Capricci," after all, translates to "caprices" or "whims"—and there's certainly a whimsical energy in these supporting figures. It’s interesting to me, in my interpretation, they could be seen as the embodiment of art. What do you feel looking closer at their faces? Editor: Now that you mention it, there’s something cheeky about them, like they know something we don’t. Almost inviting you to unlock the secrets in this whole set of "Capricci" that will follow. Curator: Precisely! It makes me wonder what secrets and playful curiosities lie beyond this frontispiece. A reminder that even in the most formal of artistic structures, there's always room for a wink and a nudge. Editor: That’s a perspective I didn’t consider before, this balance. Thanks for making me look at this title page with different eyes!