Fortress of Mars 1667

Curator: This is Matthäus Küsel's "Fortress of Mars," a captivatingly detailed etching held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels chaotic. The mass of figures, the looming fortress... it's visually overwhelming, a potent depiction of conflict. Curator: Küsel's engraving captures a battle scene, drawing perhaps on classical military imagery. The presence of elephants in the fray is particularly striking. Editor: Absolutely. Elephants as weapons, Mars observing from above... this speaks volumes about the political and social stakes of warfare. It also reflects how power is displayed in that era. Curator: Indeed, and notice how the artist contrasts the earthly chaos with the celestial figure of Mars, suggesting a divine sanction or detached observation of earthly conflicts. Editor: It brings to mind how often conflict is rationalized through a lens of destiny or divine will, masking the human cost and the politics at play. Curator: A compelling point. The etching reveals a complex interplay between power, violence, and ideology. Editor: Yes, and it prompts us to consider whose stories get etched into history and whose are omitted.