Illustraton XXI c. 16th century

Editor: This is Illustration XXI, an anonymous work at the Harvard Art Museums. It has a frantic feel. So much is happening in such a small space! What do you make of it? Curator: It reminds me of those dreams where you're trying to escape, but everything's a bit off-kilter. The artist crams the figures into the frame, a visual representation of panic and urgency. I wonder who or what they are fleeing from? Editor: That makes total sense. The names above the figures must be a clue, right? Curator: Indeed! Aeneas carrying his father, Anchises, and his son, Ascanius, fleeing burning Troy! It's a potent visual distillation of a classic story. Editor: Wow. So much storytelling packed into one image. Curator: Precisely. And, you know, art can be such a sneaky history teacher. Editor: Definitely something to ponder. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Always a joy to find new threads in an old tapestry.