Vincent I de Portonariis, Title-Page from Baldus de Ubaldis, Secunda pars Consiliorum 1550

Curator: Look at this title page from Baldus de Ubaldis's legal texts; it's like a portal to the Renaissance mind! So dense with classical references and swirling narratives. What grabs you first? Editor: Well, it's a lot! It's called "Vincent I de Portonariis, Title-Page from Baldus de Ubaldis, Secunda pars Consiliorum", it's from 1550, and is by an anonymous artist. The detail in the borders is incredible, but the central scene looks so busy. How do you even begin to unpack something like this? Curator: For me, it’s all about rhythm. The way the text plays against the images, the light and shadow pulling you in. What kind of stories do you think these people want to share with us? Editor: I guess I never thought about a title page telling a story. The people surrounding the table in the center, they must be discussing legal matters! And the borders look like some grand heroic narrative. I see it now! Thanks!