Bas-relief from the Arch of Constantine c. 16th century

Curator: Just look at this controlled chaos! It feels like a medieval mosh pit. Editor: Precisely, this engraving, "Bas-relief from the Arch of Constantine," by Nicolas Beatrizet the Younger, captures a chaotic battle scene. I am instantly reminded of the brutal realities behind triumphal arches. Curator: Triumphal, yes, but who's really winning here? Everyone looks pretty miserable, squashed together, all in the name of empire. I almost pity them. Editor: That’s a valid point. The glorification of Roman military conquest often overshadows the human cost – the violence, subjugation, and exploitation inherent in imperial expansion. Curator: It feels like a dense visual reminder of our own contemporary conflicts. Editor: Right, making us question those narratives of glory and dominance we still circulate. Curator: Nicely said, friend. Editor: Thank you.