Overmoed van de jeugd 1509 - 1553

Editor: This print, "Overmoed van de jeugd," made by Cornelis Anthonisz. between 1509 and 1553, features a series of figures. I'm struck by how each character embodies a different stage or condition. What symbols do you see at play here? Curator: I see a fascinating array of figures marked by distinct attributes – wings, fine clothing, walking sticks – these aren't simply portraits, they're emblems. What narrative or cultural memory do these visual symbols evoke for you? Each element reflects societal values and individual destinies. Editor: The wings, especially, seem like such an obvious symbol. Curator: The wings do connote aspirations, freedom, or even recklessness, particularly given the title, "Overmoed van de jeugd" - the audacity or impetuousness of youth. They're almost Icarus-like, aren't they? It's fascinating how these winged figures are juxtaposed with older, more grounded individuals. Note the contrasts in their clothing, too. What could those differences tell us? Editor: Well, the attire clearly signifies status, and perhaps a transition from extravagance to austerity with age. The loss of ornamentation symbolizes a shedding of worldly concerns? Curator: Precisely. Notice the direction the figures are traveling. It emphasizes time's relentless march and the shifting values we accumulate through our journey. Think about this in the context of the Northern Renaissance. Editor: That connection gives the work more gravity. The symbolism used allows us to view universal truths. Curator: It's a poignant reflection on the passage of time. It encourages us to think about how societies reflect upon the idea of human life and its phases. A study in artful cultural memory!