Conquest of a Town 1380 - 1420

In Altichiero da Zevio's "Conquest of a Town", we see a scene dominated by fortified architecture and the symbolic act of conquest. A leader, mounted on horseback, is centrally positioned, receiving what appears to be the keys to the city. This motif of handing over keys dates back to ancient times, signifying submission and the transfer of power. We see it echoed in Roman reliefs and even medieval tapestries. Here, it’s not merely a transaction but a powerful emotional expression of dominance. One cannot ignore the way such imagery resonates with deeper, perhaps subconscious, desires for order and control. Consider the towers and walls. They symbolize not just physical barriers but psychological ones as well – the boundaries we erect to protect ourselves. Yet, these too can fall. The cyclical nature of history reveals how such symbols resurface, each time weighted with new experiences, fears, and aspirations.