De lichtzinnige jeugd 1542 - 1546

Editor: We're looking at "The Frivolous Youth," an engraving by Cornelis Anthonisz, dating from between 1542 and 1546. It's Northern Renaissance, right? The figures are fascinating—one with wings! It all feels allegorical… What’s your read on it? Curator: Allegorical indeed! For me, it's a visual poem about the perils of youth. See the winged figure? That's Youth, ready to take flight into fleeting pleasures, armor gleaming and sword at his side like every youthful fantasy, isn’t it? Editor: The other figure then, more mature… Experience? And is that a chest of coin at his feet? Curator: Exactly! That's worldly Wisdom, or perhaps even Greed depending on your outlook; but regardless a knowing character weighed down by worldly possessions and concerns. Is Youth even listening? Is his destiny to disregard and tumble right over the precipice of life's best and simplest choices? Editor: It makes you wonder, doesn't it? So, this print served as some kind of moral lesson? Did people actually heed that? Curator: Good question. Prints like this, readily reproduced and disseminated, were early forms of mass media, yes? They brought moralizing narratives into people’s homes – thought-provoking art and gentle cautionary nudges to think twice about what we place our hearts upon. Did everyone listen? Certainly not! But the message was out there... just like this dialogue will soon be, whispered into eager listening ears like yours! Editor: Well, that makes me see the print, not just as a quaint relic, but as a still-relevant piece about making good choices! Thanks! Curator: And thank you. Art’s all about seeing old stories in new lights, no?