Trojan's Victory over the Dacians c. 16th century

Curator: Pietro Santi Bartoli created this print, Trojan's Victory over the Dacians. What strikes you when you first look at it? Editor: It's chaotic, almost a roiling mass of bodies. There's a violence rendered with such fine detail, it's unsettling. Curator: Look at the prominent shields, the Dacian falx swords—these aren't mere decorative choices. They're visual shorthand representing the specific historical conflict and the cultural identities at play. Editor: The detail is captivating, but I'm drawn to how this image seems to glorify conquest. Does that sit right today, understanding history's complexities? Curator: It invites us to consider the psychological weight of victory, and how cultures commemorate power, even across centuries. Editor: True, and I guess that's why these ancient symbols still echo, still resonate, even if their meanings shift over time.