Book V.10. Seige of Veii {Primae Decadis Liber Quintus p. XLIII verso} 1493

Curator: This is an anonymous woodcut, "Book V.10. Seige of Veii," that resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There’s something stark about the crude, heavy lines – almost oppressive in its simplicity. Curator: The siege depicted reflects the Roman Republic's expansion, a brutal narrative of dominance and cultural erasure. It mirrors contemporary struggles against imperialism. Editor: The material, though, tells a different story—cheap, reproducible, meant to disseminate this specific version of events widely. A tool of early mass media. Curator: Precisely, this image normalizes violence and reinforces a patriarchal power structure under the guise of historical record. Editor: Yet, this raw, almost primitive technique democratizes the narrative, making it accessible beyond elite circles. Curator: Perhaps, but we must remain critical of the narrative it propagates, especially in relation to marginalized voices. Editor: True, considering its materiality and reach allows us a more grounded understanding of its potential impact. Curator: Absolutely, a critical lens is essential. Editor: Agreed. It’s a powerful little artifact when we consider its materials and the messages it carries.