Artemisia c. 16th century

Editor: This engraving, "Artemisia" by Georg Pencz, dating back to the 16th century, depicts Artemisia in a moment of preparation or ritual, the scene has a certain gravity to it. What do you make of it? Curator: Well, it plunges me into a world of conflicted strength. Look at Artemisia, so regal, yet engaged in what appears to be, shall we say, a rather morbid act. Editor: Morbid? Curator: Indeed! Legend has it she mixed her husband's ashes into her drink. Does that change your perspective? Editor: It adds a whole layer of complexity, understanding the history helps me see the art in a new light! Curator: Precisely! History whispers secrets into the art, and the art echoes them back to us, doesn't it?