Dimensions: height 185 mm, width 206 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
Antonio Tempesta created this print, "Gonzalo Gusto gives a ring that must be given to his unborn child if it is a son", sometime between 1555 and 1630. The image depicts a scene of negotiation and anticipation tied to dynastic succession. Made in the context of early modern Europe, the image engages with ideas about lineage, power, and the role of inheritance in shaping social structures. The visual codes of the print, such as the exchange of a ring, carry significant cultural weight, signifying promises and future obligations. This print offers insight into the social values placed on male heirs and the strategies employed to secure their futures within elite circles. It invites us to consider the politics of imagery and the social conditions that shape artistic production. To understand this print more deeply, one could research the history of family structures, gender roles, and inheritance laws in early modern Europe. By exploring such resources, we can gain a richer appreciation for the social and institutional context in which this artwork was created.
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