Title Plate c. 1595

Curator: The composition strikes me as beautifully balanced. Note the symmetry, the use of ovals and rectangles, the density of the hatching. Editor: This is Karel de Mallery's "Title Plate," now at the Harvard Art Museums. It represents the lifecycle of the silkworm and how silk was produced. The text "VERMIS SERICVS" translates to "silkworm." Think about the global silk trade and the value placed on this material. Curator: The intricate border, almost like a jewel setting, elevates what could be a purely functional plate. There's a real tension between naturalism and stylized representation. Editor: Indeed, Mallery’s skill as an engraver is evident in the level of detail; consider the labor involved in producing each plate and the social implications surrounding the production and consumption of silk at the time. Curator: The arrangement and detail of the leaves seem to act like a frame, highlighting the organic origins of a manufactured product. Editor: Examining this piece reminds us that art is often deeply intertwined with the social and economic currents of its time. Curator: It is an opportunity to witness a dialogue between form and function.