Book XXX.13. Syphax made prisoner {Tertiae Decadis Liber Decimus p. CLXXVII verso} 1493

Editor: This woodcut, "Book XXX.13. Syphax made prisoner", shows shackled men being led from a ship to a building. It looks like a scene of conquest, but the figures are rendered with such simple lines. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: This image, though simple in style, speaks volumes about power dynamics and representation. Who is Syphax, and why is his capture depicted? This isn't just a historical record; it's a visual narrative reinforcing specific power structures. How does the artist's choice to depict Syphax and his captors contribute to a potentially biased interpretation of events? Editor: So, it's not just about what's shown but also about who is telling the story and why? Curator: Exactly. Examining the context in which this image was created allows us to unpack the potential social and political motivations behind its creation.