Defeat of Attila c. 18th century

Curator: This engraving by Giovanni Volpato depicts the "Defeat of Attila," a historical encounter imbued with layers of meaning. Editor: Wow, what a scene. The first thing I notice is the chaos—a real ballet of horses, spears, and sheer panic frozen in time. Curator: Indeed. Volpato, who lived from 1732 to 1803, uses the print medium to evoke the grandeur and drama of the historical event, highlighting the role of divine intervention. Editor: You know, it's interesting how he stages it almost like a theatrical production. The arch above feels like a proscenium framing a moment of high drama. Curator: It's a deliberate choice. Public perception and the Papacy's authority are entwined, using art as a visual language to reinforce their power and legitimacy. Editor: For sure. But even divorced from that, there's something captivating about the raw emotion, like a vivid dream, where historical fact and myth blur. Curator: Absolutely, it serves as a reminder that art can shape our understanding of history and influence the narratives we perpetuate. Editor: I agree! It's just a fantastic reminder that every image tells a story, and sometimes those stories are more about power than truth.