Title Page for DECRETALES by Francoys Fradin c. 16th century

Editor: This is the "Title Page for DECRETALES" by an anonymous artist. It's currently at the Harvard Art Museums. The detail in the border is incredible! What would have influenced the imagery included in the frame? Curator: The "DECRETALES" were collections of canon law. Consider how the Church used imagery to project power and disseminate its teachings. These decorative frames were a way to elevate the text. Editor: So, the imagery was carefully chosen to reinforce the Church's authority? Curator: Precisely. The animals, the foliage, even the blank space awaiting text, all contribute to a carefully constructed message about order and divine law. What do you think about the artist remaining anonymous? Editor: Interesting! It shows the emphasis was on the Church rather than the individual. I had not thought of that. Curator: Exactly. The art serves the institution.