Tullia overrijdt met haar wagen het lijk van haar vader 1681 - 1699

Editor: Here we have "Tullia overrijdt met haar wagen het lijk van haar vader" from between 1681 and 1699 by Arnold Houbraken, a pen sketch done with ink and engraving. It’s a gruesome scene depicted with incredible detail; you can almost feel the tension. What symbolism or emotional impact do you think Houbraken was trying to convey here? Curator: Well, at its heart, the image evokes disruption of natural order through shocking action. Note the city behind Tullia—it is a monument, representing a center of power, civilization, and the rule of law. But the rule of law is mocked by what we see in the foreground. Editor: You're right; that contrast is really stark. The crumbling figure under the horses— Curator: Exactly. Notice the broken sword near his lifeless body. A sword is a clear symbol for a person’s physical courage, their protection, honor, and power. And in the context of nobility, it becomes even more pronounced. It emphasizes the personal affront to the natural world as a person in charge should behave with respect. The cultural memory, then, becomes very complex, exploring taboos, personal responsibility, power, and more. Editor: That’s fascinating. I never considered how the symbolism contributes to that understanding of history. It’s more than just a literal representation; it’s an emotional and psychological snapshot. Curator: Precisely! Consider how Houbraken employs recognizable iconography to transcend simple storytelling, creating a lasting image rooted in complex societal anxieties and power struggles. Editor: I see that much better now. Thanks so much! Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully, visitors will understand that this print isn’t just telling a story, but preserving memory and moral implications through evocative images.