Printer's Mark c. 18th century

Curator: This is an anonymous printer's mark from 1606. Look closely, and you'll see it was printed in Naples by Tarquinio Longo. Editor: It’s striking how bold the lines are, considering its likely small scale. The mermaid figure is particularly eye-catching, almost confrontational. Curator: The printing process itself – likely woodcut or engraving – required skilled labor and specific materials. Think about the socioeconomic context that allowed for the production and consumption of printed materials. Editor: Absolutely. And consider the symbolism: mermaids often represent female power, sexuality, and the dangers of the sea. The two male figures flanking the central mermaid are also interesting and raise questions about gender roles and power dynamics in early 17th-century Naples. Curator: It’s also a testament to the craft of early printing – how these workshops developed visual languages that signaled quality and origin. Editor: Indeed, this mark allows a glimpse into the identity and social structures of its time. A conversation starter, really.