Book XXX.12. Massinissa marries Sophonisba, the wife of Syphax and Hasdrubal's daughter {Tertiae Decadis Liber Decimus p. CLXXVI verso} 1493

Editor: This anonymous piece, "Book XXX.12. Massinissa marries Sophonisba," depicts a marriage scene with stark lines and a rigid composition. What historical narratives might this image be engaging with? Curator: It's likely referencing Livy's account of Sophonisba, a woman caught between alliances during the Punic Wars. Consider her agency, or lack thereof, as a political pawn and how later Renaissance depictions often gloss over her forced marriage and suicide. Editor: So, it's not just a simple depiction of marriage, but a commentary on power and female subjugation? Curator: Precisely. The artist, by choosing this scene, is potentially highlighting the problematic nature of such alliances and the erasure of Sophonisba’s voice within patriarchal structures. Editor: That reframes my understanding entirely. I see how it challenges a singular view of history. Curator: Indeed. It's a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for uncovering complex power dynamics.