Title-Border, Printer's Mark of Vincent Portunaris from Bartolus de Saxoferrato, In Secundam Codicis Partem Commentaria 1537

Editor: This is "Title-Border, Printer's Mark of Vincent Portunaris from Bartolus de Saxoferrato, In Secundam Codicis Partem Commentaria," printed in 1537 by an anonymous artist. It's so intricate and detailed! How do you interpret this kind of ornamental work? Curator: Oh, I see a world of potential here. This is not just decoration; it's a statement. The border is a frame, yes, but it also frames the values of the text it surrounds – law, learning, maybe a touch of vanity? Look how the figures seem to both support and almost playfully undermine the seriousness of the central text. What do you make of that tension? Editor: Hmm, it's almost like a visual joke. I hadn't thought about it that way. Curator: Exactly! The artist is winking at us, reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously, even when delving into the depths of law. It's a beautiful reminder that even serious subjects can have a bit of lightness. Editor: That's a great perspective! I'll never look at a border the same way again.