Death of Hector (?) c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous print titled "Death of Hector (?)," showing a chaotic battle scene. I'm struck by the density of figures and the linear quality. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This image resonates deeply within a history of conflict and power. The death of Hector, a Trojan hero, speaks to the collapse of civilizations and the cost of war. How does this image reinforce or subvert dominant narratives of heroism? Editor: That's a good point, it's not glorifying it. Curator: Exactly. It challenges us to critically examine the romanticized narratives of battle. The bodies strewn across the landscape, the anonymous soldiers, these are not the triumphant images of victory. This evokes the shared suffering of conflict, regardless of which side you're on. Editor: I see that now. The artist isn't celebrating; they're showing the devastating realities. Curator: Precisely. And the absence of a known artist opens a space for collective reflection. How does that anonymity influence your understanding of the work? Editor: I hadn't considered it that way, that’s a helpful perspective.