The terrified Poliphilus flying before the dragon (fol. d iii verso) 1499

Editor: Here we have an image entitled "The terrified Poliphilus flying before the dragon," crafted by an anonymous artist. I'm struck by the contrast between the classical architecture and the sheer terror in the figure’s pose. What do you make of this scene? Curator: It’s fascinating how this image, likely from a printed book, uses classical motifs to depict a moment of intense fear. The dragon, a mythical beast, bursts into a seemingly ordered, "civilized" space. This highlights how societal structures can be disrupted by primal fears and anxieties. Editor: So, it's about more than just a man running from a dragon? Curator: Precisely. The image touches on the fragility of order and the ever-present threat of chaos, themes deeply relevant to the societies consuming these images. It makes me wonder about the dragon's symbolism in that era. Editor: That's a great point. I'll definitely think more about how historical context shapes our understanding of art.