Verso med påskrift 1520 - 1525

This paper with inscription was produced by Hans Baldung, in around the early 16th century. What might seem like a blank page actually speaks volumes about the historical and institutional contexts of art. In Baldung's time, paper was becoming more widely available, yet it remained a precious commodity, particularly the high-quality kind used by artists. The presence of an inscription suggests a purpose beyond mere aesthetics, perhaps a preparatory sketch, a note, or part of a larger project. The lack of a definitive image raises questions about the role of the artist as a public figure at the time. Was it simply a private work, unseen by the wider world? To truly understand this work, scholars might consult inventories of Baldung’s studio, letters, or other documents that shed light on artistic practices. Ultimately, this seemingly blank page reminds us that art's meaning is always shaped by the social and material conditions of its making.