Golden Age 16th-17th century

Editor: Here we have Johann Theodor de Bry's print, "Golden Age." The composition seems to evoke an idealized past. What sociopolitical messages might be embedded within this idyllic scene? Curator: That's a great question. Consider the historical context. The "Golden Age" was a popular theme during periods of social upheaval, often reflecting a longing for a simpler, more harmonious past, or perhaps even an attempt to critique the present by contrasting it with an imagined ideal. Editor: So, the print might be less about an actual historical era, and more about current anxieties? Curator: Precisely! Think about who commissioned this piece, and what their agenda might have been. It's not just about aesthetics; it's about power and representation. Editor: I hadn't considered it that way before, seeing it in terms of the present. Thanks! Curator: Of course. It's about looking beyond the surface, and thinking about the stories art tells about society.