Dood van Attila de Hun 1667

Curator: Abraham Dircksz Santvoort created this engraving titled “Dood van Attila de Hun,” or “Death of Attila the Hun,” around 1667. Editor: My first impression? A surprisingly elegant portrayal of what must have been a rather violent scene. The overall impression is one of controlled chaos. Curator: The printmaking process is key here. Santvoort carefully incised lines into a metal plate. Consider the labor, the intense focus required to achieve this level of detail and the transfer of power involved in producing and distributing such prints. Editor: Agreed. And visually, notice how the draped tent frames the scene like a stage. The eye is drawn to the statue and figure center stage with what could be blood pooling around the bodies suggesting more than simple death, but sacrifice and historical consequence. Curator: Santvoort made this using engraving. I’m wondering if Santvoort deliberately invoked a kind of tension between high art and artisanal craft with such intense line work for wider access through prints. The labor intensifies meaning and circulation. Editor: The image speaks of Attila’s place in a narrative of power. While dead, and his reign ended, it underscores a continuing fear by surrounding his death with the markers of wealth and nobility, ensuring Attila remains present through the story and embedded symbolism. Curator: This small engraving shows that image making had clear impact during this period for those who interacted with prints. Santvoort created a commercial object but embedded symbolic values in this work. Editor: Ultimately, this image preserves memory – transforming death into enduring legend and historical drama for each viewer who interacts with this detailed piece.