Illustration from Franciscus Gratiano de Garzatoribus, Institutionum iuris Civilis . . . . Christopher Zanetti 1575

Curator: Here we have an illustration from Franciscus Gratiano de Garzatoribus’ Institutionum Iuris Civilis, printed in Venice in 1575. The lettering and ornate border immediately strike me. Editor: Yes, it’s the layout that first captures my attention, too. The way the dense text interacts with the symbolic vignette below gives it such a strong visual weight. What can you tell me about the means of production for such an item? Curator: Well, the crispness of the lines suggests woodcut or engraving. The texture of the paper also speaks to me. The process, undoubtedly laborious, adds to its inherent value. Editor: I find myself thinking of the printer, Christopher Zanetti, and the historical context. What was it like to be crafting these legal texts at that moment in Venice? Curator: Indeed, the confluence of law, craftsmanship, and design offers much to contemplate. Editor: Absolutely. It's more than just ink on paper; it's a tangible piece of social history.