Printer's Mark of Geoffroy Tory c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an anonymous printer's mark of Geoffroy Tory, dating from 1532. The block printing shows a heraldic emblem. Editor: The stark contrast of the black ink on this aged page immediately conveys a sense of austere dignity. The textures and lines feel remarkably graphic. Curator: Indeed, the composition is quite striking. Notice the careful arrangement of the symbols: the broken tools, the cornucopia, the open books. Editor: The materials also tell a story: the handmade paper, the carefully carved woodblock, the labor-intensive printing process. It speaks volumes about the artisan's world. Curator: It's a fascinating example of how art and craft were intertwined in the early modern era. Editor: Seeing it here, centuries later, is a potent reminder of the tangible history embedded in even the simplest printed page.