Centaurs and Horsemen Fighting (recto and verso) c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Giovanni Ambrogio Figino's drawing, "Centaurs and Horsemen Fighting." The sheet is filled with dynamic figures. What do you make of the subject matter and the way he’s chosen to depict it? Curator: It's intriguing how Figino revisits classical mythology through this medium. Consider the role of such imagery in shaping social ideals of heroism and conflict during his time. Editor: So, it’s less about the myth itself and more about how the myth is used? Curator: Precisely. How does the act of drawing itself, and its accessibility compared to grander art forms, democratize or reshape these heroic narratives? Editor: That’s a really interesting point! It really changes how I see the piece.