Mark of Froben c. 16th century

Curator: Here, at the Harvard Art Museums, we have Ambrosius Holbein's "Mark of Froben." Immediately, I see a tightly woven tapestry of symbols, a veritable heraldic garden. Editor: Yes! It feels incredibly dense. The balance between light and dark creates an almost dizzying effect, like peering into an alchemist's study. Curator: Absolutely. That entwined serpent around the staff, the caduceus, speaks of medicine and commerce, a symbolic dance of healing and exchange. It evokes Hermes, Mercury, trickster god of boundaries. Editor: And the playful cherubs holding the shield…It’s fascinating how these figures take on different meanings across cultures and time. Here, they almost feel protective. Curator: Holbein’s mark encapsulates Renaissance humanism—a confluence of classical symbolism and emergent ideas. It reminds us that even the most established symbols can carry multiple layers of meaning. Editor: It's a potent reminder of how deeply images shape our perceptions, isn't it? Curator: Exactly. A reminder that images have power, even when—or especially when—they're densely packed.