Drukkersmerk 'Fovet et Ornat' van Jan van Keerberghen c. 1617 - 1624

This print, made by Jan Collaert the Younger in the late 16th or early 17th century, is a printer's mark for Jan van Keerberghen. These marks were essentially logos for early publishing houses. Looking at the image, we see an allegorical figure surrounded by light, floating above the world, which is encircled by a laurel wreath. The Latin motto "Fovet et Ornat" translates to "cherishes and adorns." These symbols speak to the cultural role of the printing press in the early modern period, as a source of both knowledge and beauty. Produced in Antwerp during a time of intense religious and political upheaval, this print reflects the complex relationship between the Catholic Church, humanist scholarship, and the burgeoning print industry. The iconography would have been instantly recognizable to contemporary viewers familiar with classical and Christian imagery. To truly understand this print, we can consult archival records, books on the history of printing, and studies of emblem books. By situating the work within its historical context, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.