The Personification of Fortitude 15th-16th century

Curator: This print, titled "The Personification of Fortitude" by Marco Dente, presents us with an allegorical figure accompanied by a lion. The etched lines create a stark, yet captivating image. Editor: The contrast is what strikes me first. The delicate lines used to depict the figure and landscape against the strong, bold form of the lion. Curator: Indeed. The lion, often associated with strength, acts as a traditional symbol for fortitude. We see her pointing towards a bundle of sticks, signifying the power of unity. Editor: I'm interested in the materiality of the print itself. Dente's labor in etching brings this allegory to a wider audience. The consumption of such imagery informed social ideals of the time. Curator: Absolutely. The print participates in a broader discourse around virtue and power, available to those who could access such images. It speaks to the construction of ideals and their dissemination. Editor: It's fascinating how the material process influences accessibility and, subsequently, social understanding. Curator: It highlights how art can both reflect and shape the values of its time. Editor: A compelling interplay of material and meaning.