Printer's Mark of Jacobus Strada Mantuanus c. 16th century

Curator: This is an anonymous engraving, the "Printer's Mark of Jacobus Strada Mantuanus," printed in Venice in 1557. It's a woodcut serving as the colophon for a book. Editor: Wow, it's so intricate! All those swirling lines give it a playful, almost mischievous feel. It’s like a secret garden crafted from ink. Curator: Note the inscription "Impenfis Iacobi Strada Mantovani"— meaning it was produced at the expense of Strada, highlighting his role as patron. The imagery also points to the rise of merchant princes as cultural arbiters. Editor: Patrons, publishers, printers... it takes a village to make a book! I love how it's both beautiful and functional, a testament to the artistry of bookmaking itself. Curator: Indeed, this work invites us to consider the often-overlooked labor and economic forces that shape our access to art and knowledge. Editor: Makes you want to dive in and get lost in the details, doesn't it? A little window into another world, made of paper and ink.