Book X.46. Cavalry and Infantry receive crowns as marks of honor {Primae Decadis Liber Decimus p. XCII verso} 1493

Editor: This is an anonymous woodcut, "Book X.46. Cavalry and Infantry receive crowns as marks of honor," from the Harvard Art Museums. It depicts soldiers receiving awards. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a staged performance of power and reward. Who is deemed worthy and why? This image likely reflects the values of its time, where military prowess and loyalty were paramount. How might this idealized vision contrast with the realities of war and its impact on ordinary people? Editor: So it's not just a historical depiction, but a statement on societal values? Curator: Precisely. It prompts us to consider who is celebrated and whose stories are marginalized within dominant narratives. What does honor mean and who gets to define it? Editor: That’s given me a whole new perspective on the piece, thinking about power structures. Curator: It is crucial to consider these questions when interpreting any artwork.