Book XXXVII.58. Booty take from King Antiochus {Quarte Decadis Liber Septimus p. CCXXVIII verso} 1493

Curator: Here we have an anonymous print titled "Book XXXVII.58. Booty take from King Antiochus {Quarte Decadis Liber Septimus p. CCXXVIII verso}" from the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has a very graphic feel, like something quickly rendered. The lines are stark and definite, creating a strong sense of movement. Curator: This print most likely served as an illustration within a historical text. The subject matter, the spoils taken from King Antiochus, places it within a specific socio-political context of conquest. Editor: The visual emphasis seems to be on the captured goods, or perhaps scrolls, being carried. They are so prominent against the landscape. Curator: Indeed, the composition directs our attention to what the conquerors deemed valuable. It’s a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play. Editor: Looking closer, the contrast is fascinating. The figures are solid and heavy, but the scrolls have a fluid, ethereal quality. Curator: Examining prints like these helps us decode the values and propaganda prevalent during their time. Editor: It makes one consider the role of art in shaping perceptions of power and history.