Illustration from Adelphi, The Brothers c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an anonymous illustration titled "Adelphi, The Brothers" held in the Harvard Art Museums collection. It's striking, isn't it? Editor: It has this wonderfully stark quality, almost like a woodcut. The figures seem caught in some silent drama, all sharp lines and contained emotion. Curator: Absolutely. The piece is likely from a printed edition of Terence's play "Adelphi," which explores themes of brotherhood and contrasting approaches to raising children. Editor: So, the staging, with that backdrop, feels very theatrical. The figures are stiff, formal. Do you think this was meant to reinforce a sense of social order or perhaps critique it? Curator: It's a compelling question! The setting and figures definitely emphasize social constructs, reflecting the play's focus on societal expectations and the complexities of familial relationships. Editor: It’s fascinating how a simple illustration can hold so much depth, inviting us to interpret those silent dialogues and ponder the enduring relevance of Terence's themes. Curator: Indeed, this image encourages us to consider the social context in which it was created and its relationship to the play's exploration of brotherhood and societal norms.