Printer's Mark of Charles Pesnot (Initial M on Reverse) 1550

Curator: This is an interesting page from 1550, bearing the printer's mark of Charles Pesnot. What strikes you about it? Editor: That central image—is that a salamander consumed by flames? It gives the page a powerful, alchemical feel. You can almost smell the ink! Curator: Indeed. The salamander, of course, was associated with fire and often symbolized perseverance. Notice how it's framed; these weren't just visual flourishes but declarations of quality. Editor: It makes me think about the labour involved—the papermaking, typesetting, the very act of printing these legal texts in Lugduni. Production was far from simple. Curator: Absolutely. The printing press was a powerful tool for disseminating knowledge, but also a means of solidifying social and political power through royal privilege, as indicated here. Editor: Looking at the overall design, I appreciate how these details highlight a convergence of craft, commerce, and intellectual pursuit. Curator: It's a testament to the multifaceted role of print culture in shaping early modern society.