Plate V, Six Ostriches in a Circle, from Ballet of Ostriches, Ballet by Jean Baptiste Balbi for "La Finta Pazza" c. 17th century

Curator: Valerio Spada, born in 1613, created this plate entitled "Plate V, Six Ostriches in a Circle, from Ballet of Ostriches, Ballet by Jean Baptiste Balbi for 'La Finta Pazza'." Editor: It's surprisingly comical. They all seem to be bowing deeply, or perhaps searching for something on the ground. Curator: The ballet context is key. "La Finta Pazza," a groundbreaking spectacle, intertwined opera, theater, and dance, challenging societal norms around gender and performance. Think of the ostrich costumes! Editor: Costumes, yes, but the print itself reveals a fascination with the texture of the birds' plumage. I wonder about the etching process, the tools used, the social status of printmakers. Curator: Absolutely, but also how these exotic birds became symbols of spectacle and luxury, reflecting early modern Europe's engagement with the wider world and its resources. The gaze is inherently political. Editor: Perhaps. But I'm captivated by the sheer physicality of the printmaking—the labor involved, the reproducibility, and how the final product acts as a testament to the materials. Curator: A powerful reminder of the intricate relationships between art, culture, and societal power structures. Editor: Indeed, a fascinating blend of artistry and material reality.