Illustration LXXI c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Illustration LXXI," an anonymous work depicting a pivotal moment in the Trojan War. Editor: The stark contrasts and dense lines give it a dramatic, almost claustrophobic feel. Curator: This piece likely comes from a printed book. The use of woodcut as a reproducible medium allowed wider access to classical stories, shaping cultural understanding. Think about the labor involved: the carving of the block, the printing process. Editor: The composition leads the eye from the soldiers on the left, up the ladder, to the horse looming over the scene. Note how the rigidity of the figures contrasts with the organic curves of the horse itself. Curator: And consider the symbolism—the Trojan Horse as a tool of deception, enabled by specific material conditions of war and siege. Editor: Ultimately, it’s the interplay of light and shadow, the formal elements, that truly convey the tension of this decisive moment. Curator: Seeing this artwork through the lens of production really enriches our understanding. Editor: Yes, and considering its formal structure provides another valuable layer of interpretation.