Gen. XI c. 16th century

Editor: This intriguing print, Gen. XI, by Hans Holbein the Younger, feels quite biblical in scope, like a bustling scene from another time. What story do you think it tells? Curator: Well, it certainly evokes a sense of ambition, doesn't it? It calls to mind the Tower of Babel, a testament to human hubris. I love how Holbein captures the sheer scale of the project. Editor: It’s fascinating to see the amount of labor involved. Curator: Absolutely. And it’s a clever reminder that such grand endeavors are often built on the backs of many, their stories often untold. What do you make of the city in the background? Editor: It seems to suggest where this project fits into society, and who benefits, I guess? I learned a lot looking closer at this print. Curator: Indeed. It's a powerful piece that prompts us to think about our own ambitions and their consequences.