The Chronicles being Read to the King, engraved by the Dalziel Brothers 

Editor: "The Chronicles being Read to the King," an engraving by Arthur Boyd Houghton, shows a king in repose. It feels very intimate, yet formal. What symbols do you notice? Curator: The attentive reader at the king’s feet is powerful; water pouring over the King’s feet is about loyalty and power. The very act suggests cleansing, absolution, and devotion. How does that resonate with you? Editor: It’s interesting, I hadn’t considered that dynamic. I initially saw the king as the center of the image, but now I see the other figure is also very important. Curator: Houghton is exploring the power dynamics inherent in storytelling itself. We gain insight into the figures surrounding him and their roles within the kingdom. Editor: I see that now. Thanks, this has really changed my perspective. Curator: Indeed, the image embodies the enduring power of symbols across cultures.