Artwork
Dedication Page
Dedication Page is a print by the Renaissance artist Hieronymus Cock. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Dedication Page, produced in 1551, is a printed sheet composed of Roman type set on laid paper. The page bears a Latin inscription arranged in a formal hierarchy, with a prominent title followed by subsidiary text. Its surface shows the warm tone of aged paper, a subtle texture, and minor stains typical of early modern print materials.
Context
The sheet was issued by Hieronymus Cock, a Flemish painter, etcher, and prominent publisher active in the mid‑16th century. Operating under the name Hieronymus Wellens de Cock, he managed a workshop that transformed printmaking from a solitary craft into a more organized, semi‑industrial enterprise in northern Europe.
Technique & Style
Printed using movable Roman type, the dedication exemplifies the typographic conventions of the period, with clear, classical letterforms set on a laid‑paper substrate. The layout follows a conventional hierarchy, emphasizing the dedication’s formal purpose while the paper’s texture and slight discoloration convey the materiality of early modern book production.
Legacy
By standardizing production methods and scaling output, Cock helped lay the groundwork for later print industries. The Dedication Page stands as a tangible reminder of his influence on the distribution of visual culture in the 16th century, illustrating the shift toward more systematic print publishing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hieronymus Cock, or Hieronymus Wellens de Cock, (1518 – 3 October 1570) was a Flemish painter and etcher as well as a publisher and distributor of prints.
Title Page
Title Page
Frontispiece
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