Design for a Book Illustration 1600 - 1700

Editor: This is William Faithorne the Elder's "Design for a Book Illustration" from somewhere between 1600 and 1700, housed here at the Met. It’s an ink drawing that strikes me as both powerful and kind of…theatrical. I am curious—how do you approach a piece like this? Curator: Theatrical is spot on! To me, this drawing sings of grand narratives, you know? Think of Baroque opera, everything is a bit over the top, but also incredibly moving. The central figure, likely a Roman general, almost feels like he's striking a pose on a stage. Do you see how the artist uses dramatic shading? Editor: Definitely. It creates a real sense of depth, even in a monochrome drawing. Is that typical of book illustrations from that time? Curator: Well, book illustrations had to grab your attention in an era before, well, everything trying to grab your attention! Faithorne likely aimed to evoke a sense of classical grandeur. It is really the swirling dynamism contrasted with careful detail, that gives it…*oomph*, what do you think it’s illustrating? Editor: Given all the armor and weapons scattered at his feet, perhaps it's celebrating a military victory? And the cherub floating above with the blank banner... maybe there would be an inscription of the general’s name and victorious deeds there? Curator: Exactly! And imagine it on the title page of a book - pretty spectacular, right? Editor: Totally changes how I see it! Thanks, that was so enlightening to discuss. Curator: My pleasure! And now, perhaps we go explore how Bernini created theater of a very different kind with stone?