from Angelus de Ubaldis of Perugia, Super Autenticis, Jacob Giunta 1536

Curator: This is the title page from Angelus de Ubaldis of Perugia, Super Autenticis, printed by Jacob Giunta in 1536. The artist is, alas, unknown. Editor: It's striking how powerfully this dense woodcut conveys authority, even now. All those figures, the heraldry, the heavy columns—it feels incredibly imposing. Curator: The architecture and figures certainly evoke Roman authority, but there are also distinct heraldic symbols: dragons, a fleur-de-lis... How do these symbols inform our understanding of its purpose? Editor: They speak to a lineage, both scholarly and probably familial. The book itself promises authenticity, and the imagery reinforces that claim. I wonder about the gendered aspect of these figures surrounding the family crest... Curator: Right, the classical nudes flanking the coat of arms present an interesting visual contrast with the solemnity of the text. Editor: It's a fascinating juxtaposition of classical ideals and the very real, embodied power structures of the time. Curator: Absolutely. The image feels both timeless and very much a product of its era, inviting layers of interpretation. Editor: It really emphasizes how deeply ingrained these symbols were in establishing and maintaining social standing.