A Dog, Lion, and Elephant in a Cage c. 16th century

Editor: Antonio Tempesta’s print, *A Dog, Lion, and Elephant in a Cage,* is quite striking. The composition is chaotic, a jumble of creatures in conflict. How do you interpret the symbolism here? Curator: The image resonates with the ancient Roman spectacle of *venatio*, a staged animal hunt. Look at the dog: isn't it curious how Tempesta depicts the dog as a symbol of disciplined aggression, pitted against the raw power of the lion? Editor: Yes, and the elephant seems almost defeated. Is it meant to represent something specific? Curator: Perhaps the elephant is a symbol of foreign conquest, brought low. The cage itself represents a contained and controlled space for the enactment of power. What feelings does that invoke in you? Editor: It makes me think about the taming of nature and the display of dominance. Curator: Precisely! And these spectacles were popular entertainment, reflecting broader social values and power dynamics. Editor: I never considered the political messages embedded within what seems like a simple animal fight. Curator: Indeed, the image becomes a complex reflection of cultural attitudes.