Illustration LII c. 16th century

Curator: This is Illustration LII from the Harvard Art Museums, created by an anonymous artist. It depicts a very well known tale: the story of the Trojan Horse. Editor: Immediately I get a strong feeling of narrative, like a scene plucked straight from a play. There is a crude, almost theatrical quality to the figures. Curator: Indeed. The woodcut medium lends itself to such bold simplicity. The inscription "Troia" above the city gate underscores the historical context, reminding us of the enduring power of classical narratives. Editor: And the way they’re all crammed together gives it this delightful, almost claustrophobic tension. It really does capture that sense of impending doom, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely. The artist successfully conveys a significant historical moment, capturing the essence of both triumph and tragedy through this limited but powerful medium. Editor: A perfect visual shorthand. It's like a snippet of memory rendered in ink. Gives you chills, doesn't it?