Two Bulls Fighting 1600

Curator: Up next is "Two Bulls Fighting," an engraving by Antonio Tempesta. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is tension. Look at how the artist has rendered the texture of their hides and the forceful lines of their musculature. Curator: Bulls have long symbolized male virility and raw power. This image feels like a primal struggle, harking back to ancient myths. Editor: And the physicality! The artist's labor is evident in every etched line. Consider the copper plate, the acid, the press... it's a whole system of production. Curator: The lack of background focuses our attention entirely on the conflict itself, stripping away any distractions from this symbolic clash. Editor: Indeed, the focus on process highlights the social aspect of art creation. I find it to be a true marvel. Curator: It's fascinating to see how Tempesta uses this age-old symbol to convey something so visceral. Editor: Well, I certainly appreciate how this process reveals the true nature of art.