Kan, het oor is aan de bovenzijde bevestigd aan de rug van een vrouw 1548

Editor: So, here we have "Kan, het oor is aan de bovenzijde bevestigd aan de rug van een vrouw", or "Jug, the ear is attached to the back of a woman", created in 1548 by Balthazar van den Bos. It's an engraving, giving it a really intricate and almost fantastical feel. The jug itself is so ornate, it's almost overwhelming. What do you make of this piece? Curator: Ah, yes, a veritable cornucopia of…stuff, isn’t it? When I look at this, I think about the Renaissance obsession with classical antiquity. See how van den Bos is riffing on ancient Roman designs? All these figures – are they gods, heroes, cheeky cherubs? And consider that O-shaped handle... Is that an O? An ear? Does it make you want to hold this impossible object, lift it, and drink from it? I think that's the point. Editor: It does feel like a fever dream of a fancy object! It seems too cluttered to be functional. Curator: Exactly! Functionality takes a backseat here. Think of it as a demonstration of artistic virtuosity, of technical skill. And remember, engravings like these were often created to be copied and adapted by artisans. It's like a design catalogue, spreading new styles and ideas. So, how does knowing that change your impression? Editor: It makes sense! So it's less about this specific jug and more about the ideas it represents and spreads? I guess it's like an ancient Pinterest board! Curator: You've nailed it! It's a conduit of inspiration, dressed up in mythological drag. See, you are on your way.