Resumen de Signed, sealed, and delivered: Federico Barocci's indulgenced print of the "Perdono"
In 1581 Federico Barocci produced a print that he signed with letters formed in perspective to look as if carved in stone. The signature is accompanied by a ten year copyright granted by the then reigning pope, Gregory XIII. Neither of these facts is out of the ordinary in any way. However, the wording of the actual brief that supports the privilege reveals an extraordinary power granted to the artist, and a rare meaning thereby imbedded in the signature.
