Francesco I d'Este Drives Troops Back Outside of Reggiano, from L'Idea di un Principe ed Eroe Cristiano in Francesco I d'Este, di Modena e Reggio Duca VIII [...] 1659

Curator: This is a piece by Bartolomeo Fenice, dating to 1659, titled "Francesco I d'Este Drives Troops Back Outside of Reggiano". It’s an engraving, part of a larger volume celebrating Francesco I d'Este. Editor: Oh, a sweep of landscape! It has this breezy, almost storybook quality despite its historical subject. A bit grim too, what with the plume of smoke in the center. Curator: The landscape here functions as more than just a backdrop. Fenice strategically uses it to legitimize Francesco d'Este’s power and legacy. Editor: I see what you mean. The detail on the landscape creates a world, almost stage-like, for the duke's heroism. How fascinating! What are some of the ways the artist achieved this? Curator: Notice how the troops are placed relative to the landscape’s features. The solid architecture versus the approaching army is about controlled defense. Even the blasted trees on the side adds drama. Editor: Ah, yes, the diagonals really do add a dynamic touch to an otherwise rigidly structured composition. So, you're suggesting it is both celebration and a statement of political dominance? Curator: Exactly. Remember that "history painting" served political and social functions. In fact, this entire book was conceived as propaganda to create an ideal image of the Duke of Modena and Reggio. Editor: And it's interesting how the landscape softens it somewhat – makes it digestible. You can't have just Duke, Duke, Duke all the time! Curator: Indeed. These prints were accessible; they circulated widely. Landscape adds to the aesthetic appeal and diffuses the directness of the message. Editor: I have a question: Does that blasted tree have something to do with it all? I can see now the Duke leading troops coming to the front! Curator: Perhaps. These prints highlight the intersection of power, representation, and visual culture. They demonstrate how landscape imagery played a vital role in constructing political identities. Editor: So next time, let's have our battles scenic, yes? Thank you for shining a light on such a multilayered print. Curator: And thank you, for highlighting its fascinating dualities.