The Conclusion of the Treaty of Troyes 1788

Curator: This is "The Conclusion of the Treaty of Troyes," an engraving by Francesco Bartolozzi, created in 1788. Editor: It's a fascinating piece! My initial reaction is that it seems very stage-like. The figures are so deliberately arranged. What do you see in it? Curator: The composition is certainly structured. Notice the linear perspective, guiding your eye to the central figures, Henry V and Catherine of Valois. Observe the stark contrast between the softness of the fabrics and the rigid lines of the architecture and the armor, reflecting a societal interest in texture as symbolism. Editor: It almost feels like two different worlds colliding – the domestic interior on the left, versus the military presence on the right. Curator: Precisely! Consider the gaze of each figure; they interlock creating planes that structure and emphasize relational importance. Even the curtains in the backdrop don't simply frame, but cascade into geometric shapes drawing the eyes of the viewer towards points of intersection in this historical exchange. How might semiotics decode this relationship using visual tools? Editor: It makes you think about power dynamics being formalized into gestures. But why focus on a historical event in such a staged and perhaps theatrical manner? Curator: Think about what Bartolozzi emphasizes; through line and form the eye comes back again and again to where the hands join: it is neither war, nor wealth, but rather partnership that the artist privileges. It’s the architecture of treaty he focuses upon, both practically and theoretically, and a statement on balance using the physical. Do you see other interesting structures to this composition? Editor: I agree - I hadn't thought of the gaze connecting everyone as part of a visual, architectured bridge. I was too focused on individual interpretations, but it really all plays to the event this is named for. Thanks for this take!