Book VIII.7. Titus Manlius puts his own son to death for fighting contrary to orders {Primae Decadis Liber Octavus p. LXVII verso} 1493

Curator: This anonymous artwork, "Book VIII.7. Titus Manlius puts his own son to death for fighting contrary to orders," presents a stark scene. The rigid linearity of the design is immediately striking. Editor: It certainly has a sense of drama! I see a visual narrative unfolding that likely reflects the social and legal codes of its time. What can you tell me about its production? Curator: As a woodcut, the image would have been relatively easy to reproduce, making it accessible to a wider audience, potentially for didactic purposes. The labor involved in cutting the block would have been considerable. Editor: Note the repetitive patterns in the architecture and flooring. The contrast of light and shadow gives a theatrical feel to the tragic event. Curator: Indeed. The image functions as a commodity, circulating ideas about power, obedience, and the role of the state. Editor: A poignant illustration of the intersection of personal tragedy and political decree. Curator: It's a window into a world governed by very different principles than our own.