Cardinal Bernardo Dovizi di Bibbiena c. 16th century

Editor: This is an engraving of Cardinal Bernardo Dovizi di Bibbiena, by an anonymous artist. It’s quite striking; the details in the face are so intricate. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This image resonates with the enduring power of symbols. Notice the cardinal's attire, instantly signifying religious authority. Consider too, the book he holds—a symbolic gesture of knowledge. Editor: So, the symbols help create his identity. Curator: Precisely. These aren't just visual elements; they are carefully chosen attributes that reinforce the subject's status and cultural significance within his world, and even for us today. Editor: I never thought about it that way, it's more than just a portrait; it's a statement. Curator: Indeed. It speaks volumes about how we construct and interpret identity through visual cues that persist across time.