Affkomst ende korte historie der graven van Hollandt Zeelandt ende Vrieslandt 1586 - 1587

Editor: Here we have "Affkomst ende korte historie der graven van Hollandt Zeelandt ende Vrieslandt" created between 1586 and 1587, attributed to Hendrick Goltzius. It's a print, probably using wood as a material. I’m struck by the cover; its aged, textured surface hints at stories held within. What can you tell us about its significance in its time? Curator: Well, consider that printed material during this period had immense power. This book detailing the history of the Counts of Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland wasn’t just a record; it was an act of constructing and legitimizing identity. Who got to define the history? Who was included? These were political questions with real-world implications. The style is labelled "Northern Renaissance". Have you considered how art trends in Northern Renaissance impact the public role of the artwork itself? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it in that light, about identity construction. It makes sense given the turbulent political landscape of the time, with the Dutch Revolt. The printing process allowed for widespread distribution; it almost feels like early propaganda. What sort of impact would this have had in the Northern Renaissance period? Curator: Exactly! Its visual elements and the very act of its production and distribution helped forge a sense of shared heritage during a period of upheaval. What were some other mediums during the period? Editor: I hadn’t made a direct link between identity building and printed materials during political struggles. The history almost literally embossed! Curator: Precisely! I'm very glad you have learned and now realize that public role and politics are everything when defining works from certain periods.