Trapeziumvormige vlakdecoratie met citaat van Cicero c. 1564 - 1565

This trapezium shaped ornament with a quote from Cicero was made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum. Made in the Netherlands, this piece reflects a broader cultural interest in classical antiquity during the Renaissance, but what purpose did these images serve? The print is full of hybrid creatures, decorative garlands, heraldic shields and other decorative devices: all drawn from classical antiquity. Ornament prints like this provided craftsmen, such as goldsmiths, sculptors, and furniture makers, with a repertoire of motifs to incorporate into their work. They acted as a visual database, circulating ideas and styles across Europe and shaping the visual landscape of the time. The inscription from Cicero invites reflection on the brevity of life. It could act as a statement of humanist values, reminding viewers of the importance of earthly life in contrast to the medieval preoccupation with the afterlife. Studying prints like these involves archival research into workshop practices and the economics of the print trade. Understanding the circulation of images helps us better understand the cultural values and artistic practices of the period.