Tekens van de dierenriem omgeven door putti after 1635

Curator: The "Signs of the Zodiac Surrounded by Putti," dating from after 1635, presents an intriguing symbolic composition. It was designed by Abraham Bloemaert, engraved by his son Frederick, and published by Nicolaus Visscher. What's your initial response to it? Editor: My immediate reaction is that the engraving feels both whimsical and deeply structured. The putti, of course, give it a playful Baroque feel, but those zodiac symbols framing the central text create a sense of predetermined order, of cosmic control. Curator: Precisely. The zodiac, represented by those twelve medallions containing various symbols of the animals and mythic characters associated with them, acts as a kind of cultural shorthand. It taps into a long history of cosmological belief, linking human destiny to celestial patterns. Note also the positioning of the sun and moon faces within the composition; each placed at opposing extremes, and acting as governing sources over the Zodiac signs depicted. Editor: And it is important to address the figures, the cherubic putti that interweave the zodiac symbols; the combination, for me, speaks to an unequal distribution of power dynamics. I can't ignore the reality that this piece emerges from a society structured by hierarchy and deeply felt inequalities. It subtly reinforces those social structures as natural or divinely ordained. The winged figure's position in the visual hierarchy reinforces certain power structures, potentially mirroring those inherent in 17th-century Dutch society. Curator: A sharp interpretation. However, considering the time, let's consider their symbolic function more directly. As messengers between the divine and human realms, these putti mediate the celestial influences—they guide us through the predetermined cosmic path. Consider their relationship with the Zodiac: Are these signs tools of liberation, or systems of constraint? Is that dichotomy reflected in their relationship, either symbiotic or at cross purposes? Editor: Perhaps both? This artwork acknowledges a profound belief system, and uses allegorical language in ways that may not align with our understanding of the world today. By examining these images, we expose a system of values of a moment, and of a mindset that may be difficult to place within a singular concept or opinion. The exercise of examining, however, strengthens our analytical position today. Curator: Indeed. Bloemaert offers a rich visual encoding that invites endless unravelling. There is always more to consider when diving deeper. Editor: Absolutely, these older prints continue to ignite thoughtful discussion, prompting us to constantly re-evaluate our place within the flow of time.