Saint Anthony, Printer's Mark of Philippo Pincio c. 15th century

Curator: This intriguing woodcut, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums, served as Philippo Pincio's printer's mark and depicts Saint Anthony. Editor: He has such an otherworldly, almost severe, presence...but also kind of goofy, like a wizard who lost his spell book. Curator: Indeed. The image likely reflects the period's religious and cultural values, presenting Saint Anthony as a protective figure. Editor: And look at that pig! I love when unexpected animal cameos barge into serious religious iconography. It humanizes it, somehow. What does it represent? Curator: Saint Anthony is the patron saint of swineherds, which explains the little piggy. It's a symbol that connects him to healing and protection against disease. Editor: Right, gotcha. So, this wasn’t just a random doodle for Pincio; it was a calculated statement of patronage and protection? Curator: Precisely. These marks were key for early printers to signal their reputation and appeal to a specific readership. Editor: It's a stark reminder that even what seems quirky has layers of meaning, inviting us to delve deeper. Curator: Agreed, it’s a beautiful example of how art, even in its most functional form, can reveal volumes about a society’s beliefs.