Aeneas's Battles in Latium: Aeneas fights Mezentius and Lausus c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing, though unsigned, woodcut titled "Aeneas's Battles in Latium: Aeneas fights Mezentius and Lausus," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first impression is one of chaotic energy, even violence. The stark black and white contrast amplifies the intensity of the battle. Curator: Absolutely. The image depicts a scene from Virgil's "Aeneid," showcasing Aeneas locked in combat. Mezentius is the Etruscan king, and Lausus, his son. It is interesting how they are presented here. Editor: The depiction of Aeneas as a triumphant hero feels almost…formulaic. But look at Mezentius, his shield adorned with symbolic charges, perhaps representing his lineage or attributes? What does the artist want us to read into that visual information? Curator: It’s difficult to say definitively. The lack of shading and the somewhat stiff figures create a sense of flattened space. This could be intentional to focus on the symbolic weight of the figures. Editor: Indeed, there's a powerful narrative condensed in this small print. Makes you think about how these stories of power and leadership still resonate. Curator: Precisely. A fascinating glimpse into how classical narratives were interpreted and disseminated.