Title-Border and Printer's Mark from Memoriae Nostrae, libri quatuor by G. Paradini, Lyons, Jean de Tournes and Guillaume Gazeau, 1550 c. 16th century

Curator: This is the title border from G. Paradini’s Memoriae Nostrae, printed in Lyon in 1550. Notice the density of imagery framing the text. Editor: My first impression is one of ornate abundance. The use of line is striking; it’s so intricate, almost overwhelming, but creates a really captivating frame. Curator: Indeed. The printer, Jean de Tournes, was known for humanist texts, and this elaborate border would have signaled the book's value and erudition to potential buyers. Editor: The arrangement of figures – the putti at the top, the mythical creatures below – feels very deliberate, guiding the eye to the central text. I see how they integrate classical motifs, reflecting the Renaissance interest in antiquity. Curator: Exactly. The images draw on a classical visual vocabulary to legitimize the content within and associate it with classical wisdom. Editor: Considering the time, the craftsmanship is amazing. You can see so much detail even in the smaller characters. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of 16th-century book production and its social context. Editor: A beautiful object, showcasing the artistry involved in early printing.