Illustration XLIX c. 16th century

Editor: This is Illustration XLIX, by an anonymous artist. It’s a black and white print, and it feels somber, almost like a scene from a play. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Ah, a glimpse into antiquity filtered through a later lens! I see the aftermath of a battle. Do you notice the figure of Aeneas? And the word ‘Troia’? It whispers tales of defeat, doesn't it? Like a stage set for a tragedy. I wonder, what does that hanging armor signify to you? Editor: Maybe loss? Definitely destruction and defeat. I hadn’t picked up on the Aeneas reference, though. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, and perhaps the cyclical nature of empires. The printmaking itself adds a layer of history to the ancient story. Food for thought, right?