Printer's Mark of Paul Frellon, Title-Page c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have the printer’s mark of Paul Frellon, a title page from 1610. Its creator remains anonymous. Editor: It's quite stark. The contrast creates a sense of gravity and purpose, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed. The central image, enclosed in an ornate oval, features a crab surmounted by two butterflies. The word "MATVRA," or "mature," appears beneath. Editor: The crab could represent Cancer, associated with the summer solstice, a time of ripeness, perhaps echoing that very idea of maturity. Curator: Precisely. It speaks to the Frellon’s brand identity. Butterflies, often symbols of the soul and transformation, suggest the transformative power of knowledge disseminated through print. Editor: The stark black ink and clean lines lend it a sense of timelessness. Curator: It makes one wonder how many readers first encountered this book through this striking visual invitation. Editor: A powerful reminder that even the smallest details can carry profound symbolic weight.