Gehoor (Auditus) 1542 - 1546

Editor: This is "Gehoor (Auditus)," an engraving by Georg Pencz, made sometime between 1542 and 1546. The figure seems almost melancholic. It’s fascinating to see how the textures are created through engraving. What can you tell me about its historical context? Curator: It's crucial to understand the social function of prints in the 16th century. Engravings like these were widely disseminated, effectively democratizing imagery. This image, part of a series on the five senses, exemplifies the Italian Renaissance influence on Northern art. Considering the "Auditus" title and the presence of musical instruments, the portrayal of "hearing" extends beyond the literal, hinting at intellectual reception and refinement, attributes associated with the upper classes. Editor: So, the allegory connects hearing to social status through access to music and learning? Curator: Precisely. The inclusion of the pig is interesting; it serves as a contrasting element. Do you see how the inscription "TRVX A PERAVDITV" speaks to a potential moral lesson? Editor: Possibly something about not being 'deaf' to higher virtues, as indicated by the classical instruments versus the base animal instinct? Curator: That's an insightful interpretation! These prints circulated amongst various social classes, meaning their meaning may be reinterpreted in different settings. Can we be sure if this was seen as elitist? Or perhaps it inspired aspirational values. Editor: That's a good point. It makes you wonder about the artist's intent and how much control they had over the print’s interpretation once it left their hands. Curator: Exactly! And that is where the fascinating political play of art and imagery comes in. Prints offered artists a powerful way to engage with, and shape, the public imagination. Editor: It's interesting how much a small engraving can reveal about society's values. Curator: Indeed!