Pyrrhus, when a child, brought to Glaucias, king of Illyria, for protection c. 18th century

Editor: This engraving by John Hall depicts "Pyrrhus, when a child, brought to Glaucias, king of Illyria, for protection." It's quite dramatic! What symbols do you see at play in this scene? Curator: The child, Pyrrhus, represents innocence and vulnerability. The act of seeking protection from King Glaucias speaks to themes of refuge and power. But also, look at the gaze of each figure. Where does it lead us? Editor: Some seem suspicious, others imploring. It's like a spectrum of emotions surrounding this child. Curator: Precisely. Consider how the classical architecture and statuary add another layer. They evoke an idealized past, but are those ideals being upheld in this moment? Editor: So the setting contrasts with the uncertainty of the situation. It’s like a staged drama, full of symbolic meaning. Curator: Yes. It is a cultural memory play about power, innocence, and the burden of leadership. Editor: I see it now. Thanks for revealing the layers!