Drukkersmerk van Plantijn c. 1561 - 1620

This is an anonymous printer's mark of Plantijn, of indeterminate date, made using an engraving technique. Plantijn was one of the most important printers and publishers of the early modern era, with a decidedly international reach. Embedded within the emblem is a complex interplay of symbols and meanings, reflective of the cultural and intellectual milieu of the 16th and 17th centuries. The central motif of the hand holding a compass is framed by the Latin motto "Labore et Constantia" which translates to "By Labor and Constancy." This suggests a deeply felt conviction about the value of hard work and unwavering dedication to one's craft. Note the prominent inclusion of classical figures and motifs, representative of the era's fascination with classical antiquity. The image encapsulates a profound sense of humanism. It highlights the dignity of human labor, intellectual curiosity, and the pursuit of knowledge.