Title Page Design for the Comedies of Terence 1662

This is Jan de Bisschop’s title page design for the comedies of Terence, made with pen and brown ink and brush in the 17th century. Observe the central figure, upon whom a helmeted woman places a theatrical mask. This gesture, reminiscent of crowning, suggests the donning of a persona, laden with artifice and illusion. The mask, an ancient symbol for comedy and tragedy, has roots stretching back to Greek theatre, where actors used masks to amplify their voices and embody different characters. This motif recurs across time, from ancient frescoes to commedia dell'arte, each time shifting slightly, yet retaining its link to performance. Notice the nude female figure holding what appears to be a torch. This could be a reference to enlightenment, but it could also be interpreted as a symbol of danger. The presence of a sword at the base suggests a deep underlying tension, a primal force engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking feelings of both allure and trepidation. These motifs, the mask, and the sword, are not static symbols; they are living entities, resurrected and reimagined across centuries.