Afscheid van Hector before 1571

Curator: Well, hello there! Isn't it fascinating how stories find their way onto paper? Editor: It really is. This print, *Afscheid van Hector*, which translates to "Farewell to Hector," was made before 1571 by Pieter Jalhea Furnius. It’s an intaglio engraving. The scene looks somber, filled with these tiny, but emotionally charged figures. The level of detail is remarkable. What do you make of it? Curator: For me, this piece whispers of heroism, but not the celebratory kind. It is laced with a painful farewell and sacrifice. Can't you just feel the heart-wrenching moment, and it’s as relevant today as it was centuries ago. See how the linear precision contrasts with the emotion depicted? A skilled move by Furnius, don't you think? The crosshatching practically screams grief! Editor: Definitely! It is interesting to me how much depth Furnius creates in a relatively small piece. You see not only Hector, but a full, populated city, even if just in the background. The composition really draws the eye through different perspectives in the single work. Do you think that affects the message, at all? Curator: I do. This artist uses that composition as a stage, placing Hector between those emotional ties he's burdened by; an entire civilization, the tearful family… all rendered with ink. I am wondering, how did all of that even occur to this artist? Editor: That's the best part, isn't it? We don’t truly know, but can imagine! Thank you for pointing out so much! It's amazing how much emotion can be conveyed through simple lines and contrast. Curator: Exactly. Remember to feel your art and consider the humanity within. Never be afraid to connect with a piece. That’s where true understanding blooms.