Jongeman met lantaarn en ram (Ariës) als teken van dierenriem 1507 - 1511

Editor: Here we have Marcantonio Raimondi's engraving, "Young Man with Lantern and Ram (Aries) as a Sign of the Zodiac," created between 1507 and 1511. It's a small print, but the details are incredibly intricate. I'm struck by the classical idealism in the figure's form combined with this peculiar, almost domestic, image of a ram. What's your interpretation of this work? Curator: Considering the social context, prints like this played a significant role in disseminating knowledge and imagery during the Renaissance. This print belongs to a series depicting the signs of the zodiac. Think of it as a kind of visual compendium, popularizing classical ideas about astrology. Raimondi's work provided access to such concepts, even to those outside elite circles. Notice how the young man seems to command attention upwards. What kind of statement might the artist be trying to make about power through imagery, with the Aries symbol beside him? Editor: It's fascinating how a print could act as a vehicle for distributing ideas and power! So, the placement of the zodiac sign beside the youth reinforces a social hierachy? Is this an accessible symbol for viewers during this period, in your opinion? Curator: Absolutely. Raimondi translated existing artistic concepts to a wider audience. He popularized classical forms in a manner accessible across societal strata. Moreover, remember this wasn’t viewed just as art; it functioned as a signifier, linking individuals to broader social structures. Editor: I hadn’t thought about how prints like these were really part of a much bigger social and cultural web. Curator: Precisely! And understanding that helps us see its impact. We can really appreciate the purpose behind the art. Editor: That puts it in an entirely new perspective for me. Thanks!