Unicorn Led in Triumph By a King and Queen c. 16th century

Curator: This is Jean Duvet's engraving, "Unicorn Led in Triumph By a King and Queen." Editor: It feels so densely packed; the composition strains at the edges, almost claustrophobic. Curator: Duvet, active in the 16th century, infuses this piece with a blend of religious and mythological symbolism, reflecting the unicorn's complex role as both a Christian allegory and a symbol of courtly love and purity. Editor: The line work is so intricate, creating a vibrant texture that animates the entire scene. Look at the way he uses hatching and cross-hatching to build volume and depth. Curator: Consider, too, the socio-political implications: the king and queen leading this mythical beast… it's a commentary on power, virtue, and the symbolic control over the natural world. Editor: I'm struck by how the composition almost overflows with detail, reflecting a kind of visual maximalism. Curator: Indeed, a fascinating intersection of technique, symbolism, and cultural context. Editor: Absolutely. A triumph, in its own way.