Fantasie-bouwwerk, onderaan gesteund door twee dubbele hermen 1533 - 1567

This print of an architectural fantasy was made by Enea Vico, an Italian engraver, around 1541. The image presents an elaborate, multi-tiered structure supported by herms, sphinxes and other classical motifs. It encapsulates the Renaissance fascination with classical antiquity, but also a playful reinvention of its forms. Produced during a period of intense artistic and intellectual exchange, Vico’s print reflects the cultural values of his time. The print testifies to the growing importance of printmaking as a medium for disseminating ideas about design and ornament. It hints at the competitive atmosphere among artists vying for patronage and recognition. As historians, we can look to treatises on architecture and design from the period. These resources help us understand the visual language and symbolic meanings embedded in Vico’s composition. By situating this print within its historical context, we gain insight into the social conditions that shaped artistic production. We start to understand the broader cultural landscape of the Renaissance.