Festnahme des Sextus Aurelius Victor durch den Zensor 1743

Editor: So, this pen and ink drawing is titled "Festnahme des Sextus Aurelius Victor durch den Zensor" – which Google tells me means "Arrest of Sextus Aurelius Victor by the Censor". Paul Egell created it in 1743, and it now lives in the Städel Museum. It's a flurry of figures contained within a very elaborate border – almost rococo in style! I find the scene pretty intense. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: Intense is a perfect word, actually! And your feeling echoes what might've resonated with viewers back in the 18th century. Imagine the scene depicted! It looks to be straight out of some ancient Roman power struggle – dramatic clothing, lots of people and horses rushing by, almost operatic in a way! Though this isn't painting, this is one of Egell's more playful ink drawings and you might be able to tell a scene about morals and virtues is being communicated. How do you get that feeling? Editor: Well, given the title and the kind of official-looking central figures, it definitely feels like it’s trying to make some sort of grand statement. The rococo border only adds to the overall feeling. Almost like watching theatre unfold. Curator: Precisely! That's an excellent observation. Now, what if I told you that Egell may be communicating personal experiences as the Zensor captures the attention of a central individual? Do the border's dramatic flair or theatrical energy come into play any more with you? Editor: Absolutely! It completely shifts my understanding. It suddenly becomes so much more personal than a straightforward historical record, imbuing these public scenes with an undeniably interior viewpoint. I now see what the piece is all about. Curator: See what your own interpretation brings when you have freedom to your art?