Man en vrouw met leeg wapenschild c. 1581s - 1591s

Editor: This is an engraving from the late 16th century titled "Man en vrouw met leeg wapenschild", or "Man and woman with empty coat of arms," attributed to an anonymous artist and held at the Rijksmuseum. The figures flanking this ornate, yet blank, shield seem so self-assured! What might be going on here? Curator: That's a great observation! These kinds of prints were often commissioned or created to be personalized. The blank shield would have been filled in with a family's heraldry, essentially functioning as a marriage announcement or a symbol of status. The question, then, becomes: Who had the power to create and circulate these images, and how did they contribute to defining noble identity? Editor: So, this wasn’t necessarily about artistic expression, but about social function? It’s almost like early social media. Curator: Exactly! Think about the role prints played in disseminating information and constructing identities during that period. The printmaking workshop and its distribution networks were vital socio-political spaces. Do you see any clues in their attire that might tell us about class or even political affiliations? Editor: Well, they certainly look wealthy, but beyond that, I'm unsure. Perhaps their clothing reflects a specific region or affiliation? Curator: Precisely! This speaks to the power of visual imagery in shaping perceptions and reinforcing social hierarchies. Consider the act of acquiring and displaying such a print – it wasn't merely decorative, but a statement about one’s place in the world. Editor: That makes you consider the market forces influencing the imagery in the art. This gives me a new perspective on what "art" even meant at the time. Curator: And how the act of creating art was interwoven with social power! So, the next time you encounter an artwork, consider not just the artist, but the whole social structure that gave rise to it.