Morning (Aurora) 1639 - 1698

Curator: This engraving, “Morning (Aurora),” probably made sometime between 1639 and 1698, depicts the Roman goddess of dawn. It's a beautiful example of Baroque printmaking. Editor: Yes, there’s a definite classical feel. The figure is so...stately. What exactly am I seeing? How would you interpret this work, particularly given its historical context? Curator: We see Aurora as a symbol, right? But a symbol *of* what, and *for* whom? Consider that this print was made in a time of massive social upheaval. How might Aurora, as a bringer of light, serve as a metaphor for political or social awakening? Notice the star above the figure’s head – is that pure ornamentation, or could it symbolize something more, perhaps a guiding light during turbulent times? Editor: So, are you saying this image could have functioned as more than just decoration; that it could have encouraged discussion, or maybe even dissent? Curator: Exactly! And look closer at the details: her clothing, jewelry, even her hairstyle, likely reflect specific cultural and social markers of the time. Understanding these details gives us insight into the print's intended audience and the messages it aimed to convey, be they about social hierarchies or shifting ideas around gender roles. What do you notice about how she is presented? Editor: It feels like the print argues for a reimagining of societal norms. Curator: I see it as the artist subtly prompting us to reconsider established structures and power dynamics. It prompts the question: how can we understand images like this, not just as aesthetic objects, but as interventions in the conversations of their time? Editor: I hadn’t considered it in such an active, engaged way. Thanks, I see it completely differently now!