Head-piece c. 16th century

Editor: This anonymous head-piece, probably an engraving, is quite striking. It seems to frame text from an old book. What do you see in it? Curator: The image is fascinating for its connection to the history of knowledge. These head-pieces often appeared in early printed books and served as more than mere decoration. They marked textual divisions, yes, but also visually legitimized the text. Editor: Legitimized it? How so? Curator: Think about it: The inclusion of such intricate designs elevated the status of the book. It was a signifier of wealth, scholarship, and the power of the printed word in shaping public opinion. Editor: So, it's less about the animals depicted, and more about the role the whole image plays in society? I never thought of it that way. Curator: Exactly. The image is a carefully constructed artifact. It says as much about the politics of knowledge as it does about the content of the book it adorns.