Illustration from Terence. Strassburg, Johann Grüninger, c. 1515 c. 15th century

Editor: This is an anonymous woodcut illustration from a 1515 edition of Terence's comedies, printed in Strassburg. The sheer density of line work creating the architectural elements is fascinating. What structural relationships do you observe in this image? Curator: Note how the composition is rigorously organized, a theatre's architecture juxtaposed with human figures. Do you see how the structure itself becomes a sign, a semiotic marker of theatrical space and the performance of comedy? Editor: Yes, the architecture emphasizes the artificiality. I see the characters are confined within strict architectural lines. Curator: Indeed. The artist uses line and form to convey the essence of theatrical artifice. The architecture is not mere backdrop but the very condition of representation. Editor: That's a helpful lens. Seeing the architecture *as* representation rather than just depicting it helps me understand the image. Curator: Exactly. Formal analysis reveals how the artist transforms structure into meaning.