Aeneas and Evander c. 17th century

Editor: This is Gérard Audran's "Aeneas and Evander," currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It's an etching, full of figures in what looks like a mythological scene. What strikes me is the central exchange – what's happening there? Curator: Notice how the figures of Aeneas and Evander dominate the image, their postures mirroring each other. What emotional weight do you think the offering of the olive branch carries? It’s a symbol of peace, surely, but also submission to fate and a recognition of shared values. Editor: So it’s not just a friendly greeting, but a symbolic acknowledgment of something bigger? Curator: Precisely. Audran uses these classical symbols to tap into our cultural memory, reminding us of the enduring power of these ancient narratives. It makes you wonder what stories future generations will tell about us, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely, reflecting on our own symbols is truly fascinating!