Printer's Mark of Jean Petit c. 16th century

Editor: This is the Printer's Mark of Jean Petit, an anonymous piece. It's so small, but the composition feels very grand, almost heraldic. What do you see when you look at this? Curator: The formal elements are quite striking. The symmetry is meticulously constructed, isn't it? Note how the lions mirror each other, framing the shield with the fleur-de-lis. The texture created by the dense linework is also very important. Editor: Yes, it's so intricate. The banner at the top, the lions' manes—everything is so detailed. Curator: Indeed. The use of black and white creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the shapes and forms. Consider how the design utilizes positive and negative space. Editor: I hadn't thought about the spaces in between, but that makes it even more impressive. Curator: The effectiveness of the printer's mark relies upon the balance of these formal devices to communicate the values of Petit's publications. Editor: I see it now! Thanks for helping me look closer. Curator: My pleasure. I’m glad we could investigate its structure and texture together.