Poliphilus surrounded by remains of classical antiquity (fol. a vii recto) 1499

Curator: The mood of this anonymous print, "Poliphilus Surrounded by Remains of Classical Antiquity," is incredibly serene, even melancholic. It's only about 11 by 14 centimeters, yet it feels vast. Editor: It certainly evokes contemplation. I see a convergence of labor and materiality in the production of this small yet intricate woodcut, which depicts an engagement with classical forms and ideas. Consider the socio-economic context of printing technology at the time! Curator: Absolutely, the printing process itself! And it is interesting to see how the artist chose to depict ruins as a kind of garden, with the figure of Poliphilus wandering amidst them. I can almost feel the dust of ages under my feet. Editor: The very act of creating and disseminating these images via print democratized access to classical antiquity. So this image then, becomes a commodity consumed within specific social strata. Curator: Indeed. I am drawn to the artist's treatment of light and shadow, the delicate lines that suggest form, as the subject wanders this landscape. Editor: Precisely. This piece challenges the high art-craft divide. This print is a fascinating material artifact, a testament to artistic labor and market demand.