Tertia Aemilia, Wife of Scipio Africanus c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an anonymous engraving titled "Tertia Aemilia, Wife of Scipio Africanus," part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's striking how spare the image is, almost austere. The stark black and white lines create a sense of formality, yet her eyes tell a story of gentle wisdom. Curator: The artist's use of line is quite interesting, isn’t it? Notice how the dense hatching creates shadows, defining the folds of her garment and giving form to the landscape in the background. Editor: Yes, the patterns almost vibrate, a kind of restless energy contained within the rigid composition. There's a real tension there that draws me in. Curator: This piece, while simple, really invites us to reflect on how historical figures, especially women, were portrayed and remembered. Editor: It's like a whisper from the past, a monochrome dream inviting us to imagine the life behind those watchful eyes.