Angelica and Medoro; they stand next to a stream as Medoro carves their names into a tree, a putto is seated at left with a torch and another putto walks towards them with a goat 1590 - 1598

Curator: This is "Angelica and Medoro" by Aegidius Sadeler II, a print made sometime between 1590 and 1598. It's a lovely example of late Mannerist or early Baroque engraving. Editor: It definitely has that elaborate, detailed feel. Angelica and Medoro seem so absorbed in their moment of carving their names. It feels like a stage setting, or a dream. What draws your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: My focus is immediately drawn to the act of inscription. Carving their names into the tree is a potent symbol. Do you see the putto with the extinguished torch nearby? Editor: Yes, now that you mention it! What does the extinguished torch mean? Curator: The extinguished torch often symbolizes the end of life or the fading of earthly love, suggesting mortality but placed next to an expression of enduring remembrance through inscription, there's a juxtaposition occurring here, isn’t there? We see a kind of eternalizing through art, fighting death’s oblivion, as though love's record can endure, can defy decay through this carving. Consider how civilizations leave records of their presence – not only buildings, but texts – scratched or engraved – consider Egyptian hieroglyphs, cave paintings in France! The inscription acts as proof. Proof of feeling, proof of existence, a fight against nothingness. Editor: Wow, I hadn't considered how timeless that symbol of inscription is. It gives the image a much deeper meaning. I thought it was simply about romance! Curator: It’s always more than just the surface. Visual symbols speak volumes, carrying emotional and cultural significance through time, offering glimpses into humanity's persistent attempts to leave its mark. It’s like a continuous echo through culture and time. Editor: That really changes my perception of the whole artwork. Thanks for opening my eyes!