Design for a Frontispiece c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have "Design for a Frontispiece," artist unknown, from the Harvard Art Museums. It's a fantastical frame with griffins and a lion's head. What symbolic weight do you see in these creatures? Curator: The griffin, a hybrid of eagle and lion, embodies intelligence and strength, guarding treasure and knowledge. The lion, king of beasts, represents courage and nobility. Consider their placement—they frame, protect, and present. What do they guard? Editor: Perhaps the text of the book, promising wisdom within. Curator: Precisely. The imagery speaks to cultural aspirations and the perceived power of knowledge, echoing in heraldry and myth across centuries. It's fascinating how these symbols persist. Editor: It's like a visual language that transcends time. I never thought about it that way. Thanks for clarifying that! Curator: My pleasure.