Horse Attacked by a Lion c. 16th century

Curator: This engraving, titled "Horse Attacked by a Lion," is by Adamo Scultore. What strikes you immediately about this depiction? Editor: Its raw ferocity—the lion's claws, the horse's desperate struggle. You can almost feel the tension of muscle and bone. What's the medium? Curator: It’s an engraving, a printmaking technique where the image is incised into a metal plate. The physicality of this labor, transferring that energy into the artwork, is palpable. Editor: Absolutely, that's fascinating. I'm also thinking about the political symbolism – this power dynamic. The "lion" representing perhaps oppressive forces, and the "horse" as a symbol of the people? Curator: That's a valid reading, but perhaps it also reflects broader power structures and anxieties prevalent in the society that birthed this work, considering themes of domination and resistance. Editor: A potent reminder of the artistic decisions and their impact on how we perceive the interaction of strength and vulnerability. Curator: Indeed, and a visceral demonstration of the creative labor that brings such complex narratives to life.