Illustration from J. B. Porta, Magiae Naturalis (?) c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing illustration from J. B. Porta's *Magiae Naturalis*. The artist, alas, is unknown. Editor: It's a rather somber cherubic head, isn't it? The heavy lines give it a weight that belies the subject matter. Curator: Yes, and considering *Magiae Naturalis* was a popular compendium of natural philosophy and pseudo-science, the image likely served a symbolic, perhaps even instructional, purpose. Editor: The hatching is quite interesting, forming planes on the face and wings. It gives the figure a solidity and almost an earthiness. Curator: Exactly. This contrast between the ethereal subject and the grounded rendering speaks to the period's complex relationship with science and the supernatural. Editor: It's a wonderful example of how artistic technique can influence our understanding of even fantastical themes. Curator: Indeed, the image offers us a small window into the world of early scientific thought.