Book XXXV.13. King Antiochus' daughter marries Ptolemy, King of Egypt, at Raphia {Quarte Decadis Liber Sextus p. CCXCIIII verso} 1493

Editor: This is an anonymous engraving called *Book XXXV.13. King Antiochus' daughter marries Ptolemy, King of Egypt, at Raphia.* I'm struck by how the sharp lines create a very crisp, almost stark image. What do you see as the most compelling aspects of its design? Curator: The starkness you observe arises from the composition itself. Note how the engraver contrasts the angular, almost architectural folds of the clothing with the more organic lines of the landscape. The stark black and white reinforces this duality. Editor: So the interest lies in the interplay of these formal elements? Curator: Precisely. Observe how the limited tonal range forces us to focus on the relationships between forms and the spatial organization within the frame. The success of the piece resides in how these elements coalesce. Editor: I never would have thought of that. I see now how the lack of color directs my attention to the relationships between the shapes. Curator: Indeed. It reveals how much can be achieved through considered manipulation of line and form alone.