Astrologie 1513 - 1540

Curator: Here we have Parmigianino's engraving, "Astrologie," dating from somewhere between 1513 and 1540. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is its melancholy. The overall tonal range is so narrow, focusing my eye on that single pensive figure draped against a rocky structure. Curator: Indeed. Parmigianino created this engraving during a time of tremendous upheaval, as humanism clashed with the realities of war and political instability in Italy. Note how the globe looms over the figure, but the skull at the base adds a contrasting image that acts as a stark reminder of mortality. Editor: The globe itself is fascinating. See the intricate network of lines? The linear quality emphasizes its spherical form, but the meaning within those markings—that is another question altogether! The figure almost blends into the background, achieved by those similar intricate linear strokes, giving it a weight and solidity. Curator: Right, that merging creates a layered commentary. Astrologers in Parmigianino's time were advisors to the powerful, and their credibility faced intense debates. His figure, draped as a classical statue, with accompanying memento mori, embodies both the allure and the dangers of relying solely on worldly knowledge. Editor: I also can't help but appreciate the delicate rendering of light and shadow solely through the density and direction of those fine lines. There's a definite mastery in translating form and texture into such a spare medium. Curator: Parmigianino circulated prints like these among collectors and other artists as self-advertisements and this allowed for accessibility and greater viewership during his time. He wasn't just showcasing skill; he was entering dialogues about science and mortality with the larger public sphere. Editor: It is this clever contrast of the heavenly globe versus earthly skull combined with that pose and monochromatic focus, a simple presentation of complexity and that continues to capture the viewer's eye and questions. Curator: Exactly, it's that conversation—between skill and idea—that ensures "Astrologie" remains as relevant today as it was then.