11486 Girolamo Ruscelli (1504–1566) – Emblem of Consalvo Perez with Labyrinth – Engraving (1566)
"Consalvo Perez, Primo Secretario del Re Catolico Filippo II." This engraving features the personal device, or impresa, of Consalvo Perez (Gonzalo Pérez), the influential Secretary of State to King Philip II of Spain. The central image depicts a complex circular labyrinth, with a figure seated at its center, symbolizing the intricate and often perilous nature of political administration. Surrounding the maze is an elaborate strapwork cartouche supported by two athletic male figures, with a ribbon bearing the Latin motto "In Silentio et Spe" (In Silence and Hope). This work was published in Venice as part of Le Imprese Illustri, a celebrated collection of allegorical devices associated with the European nobility and intellectual elite. The accompanying text discusses the historical significance of the Minotaur and the labyrinth as symbols of secrecy and prudent governance.
Girolamo Ruscelli was an influential Italian humanist, editor, and cartographer based in Venice during the sixteenth century. A central figure in the Venetian publishing industry, he is best known for his erudite commentaries on literature and his extensive writings on heraldry and symbology. His Imprese Illustri is considered a masterpiece of Renaissance emblem literature, distinguished by the high quality of its copperplate engravings and the depth of its humanist scholarship. Ruscelli's work played a pivotal role in codifying the visual and intellectual language of the aristocracy during the Counter-Reformation.
Artist or Maker: Girolamo Ruscelli.
Dimensions: Approximately 26 cm x 19 cm.
Medium: Engraving.
Date: 1566.
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Värdering | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Köparprovision (inkl. moms) | 24.4% |
| Slagavgift (inkl. moms) | 6 SEK |
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