Guirlande met ondermeer anjers 1596 - 1633

This small garland with carnations was made by an anonymous printmaker. In the early modern period, printed images weren't only artistic expressions, they served social functions, such as conveying status and political authority. This garland combines realistic details with fantastic creatures. The bird, fruit and flowers are immediately recognizable, while the beasts in the upper corners are mythical hybrids. This combination reflects the complex social and cultural environment in which it was created. Produced in the Netherlands, its iconography reflected the tastes of a wealthy merchant class. With no clear political message, we can assume this print served a decorative purpose, or perhaps it was included in a pattern book to be used by other artists. The history of prints is closely linked to the development of printing technology and the growth of the publishing industry. Researching these factors can provide insights into the production, distribution, and consumption of this image. The meaning of art changes over time depending on its social and institutional context.