Book VIII.8-11. Battle between Latines and Romans {Primae Decadis Liber Octavus p. LXVIII verso} 1493

Curator: This woodcut, titled "Book VIII.8-11. Battle between Latines and Romans," is an anonymous piece residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how the stark black lines convey such immediate tension and movement. The horses seem poised on the brink of chaos. Curator: Absolutely. We see the material constraints of the medium shaping the aesthetic. The artist had to work with what was available, likely readily accessible wood for the block. Editor: And the imagery itself—the raised sword, the lances—speaks to centuries of conflict and dominance. The imagery of warfare continues to resonate even now. Curator: The labor involved is also significant. The meticulous carving required both skill and time, a testament to the value placed on disseminating these historical narratives. Editor: I find myself drawn to the subtle symbolism of the background landscape. The solitary structure on the hill suggests a power dynamic between those below and what’s above. Curator: Considering the materials and the process really highlights the broader context of production and consumption in its time. Editor: Indeed, and these recurring symbols remind us that art is in constant conversation with our past.