Three Good Pagans: Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar c. 16th century

Curator: Hans Burgkmair gifts us "Three Good Pagans: Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great, and Julius Caesar." Editor: They look quite intimidating, like figures ripped from the pages of a medieval epic, each heavily armored, the lines are so defined. Curator: Burgkmair, active in the early 16th century, worked during a time when classical antiquity held sway. The woodcut medium itself lends to the stark contrasts and emphasizes their strength. Editor: It's interesting how these figures are presented as "good," given their roles in violent conquest. I suppose that reflects a certain era's understanding of power and leadership. Curator: Indeed. The narratives surrounding these leaders were often romanticized, serving as moral exemplars despite their brutality. Editor: Makes you wonder about the politics of historical representation, doesn't it? Who gets remembered, and how. Curator: Absolutely, a perspective the artwork invites us to engage. Editor: Thinking about it from today’s standpoint, the artwork challenges us to reflect on historical legacies.