Book I.8. Romulus initiates laws {Primae Decadis Liber Primus p. XI verso} 1493

Curator: This compelling image, "Book I.8. Romulus initiates laws," captures a foundational moment from Roman history. An anonymous artist depicts Romulus enacting laws, surrounded by citizens. Editor: It feels so stark, almost severe. The black lines create this really rigid, defined space. Does it always feel this… serious? Curator: Well, the visual language of these early prints is often direct. Here, Romulus, elevated on his seat, holds a book, a symbol of codified law and order. Notice the gestures of the surrounding figures. Editor: They look a bit…unconvinced? One has his hand to his chest. Is that supposed to be some oath-taking posture? And the guy next to him looks like he's waiting for the punchline! Curator: That gesture could be interpreted as an oath, yes, or perhaps attentiveness. It is a public declaration of law. Editor: It's kind of amazing how much cultural weight symbols can carry, even when the execution is so…minimalist! It gets the job done! Curator: It’s a powerful distillation of a key historical narrative, capturing the birth of a legal system. Editor: Indeed, it makes you wonder about the origins of all laws, doesn’t it?