Dedication to G.A. Ursinus for unidentified series 16th-17th century

Editor: This is "Dedication to G.A. Ursinus," by Antonio Tempesta. It's an etching, and what strikes me are those rather beastly looking heraldic animals. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, isn't it fascinating? Those creatures, reminiscent of bears, flank a coat of arms. The Latin inscription dedicates the print to Ursinus, likely a patron. I see a blending of power, intellect, and perhaps a hint of the wild within cultivated society. What do you make of the contrast between the formal inscription and the almost grotesque animals? Editor: I guess it shows the different aspects of the person it's dedicated to. It’s like he’s both a refined nobleman and a powerful force. Curator: Exactly! Art often speaks in layers, reflecting complex realities.