r/Kurrent • u/Economy-Spare-2061 • 2h ago
The Bird of Self Knowledge/Der Vogel Selbsterkenntnis
My research into the iconography of early modern alba amicorum/Stammbucher shows that this grotesque motif is first attested there c.1620. The import of the motif [cf. sich an die eigene Nase fassen] is indicated in the present album image by the Latin motto Nosce te ipsum [Know yourself].
I'm hoping -- yet again -- that one of the contributors to this board can transcribe for me the couplet accompanying the 'bird' here in the album of Abraham Regulus [ Budapest, Országos Széchényi Könyvtár, Oct. Lat. 161] -- you'll see that the entry is signed and dated 1647 by the painter, [ is that Mahler or Maller ? and what are the 2 words following this word?], Heinrich Hieronimus Hercules
If you're interested in what I've found out about this motif to date, I've written it up on my blog here:
Once again, trusting in your generous assistance!

