The Saving of the Infant Pyrrhus (left half) c. 1674

Editor: This is a plate of "The Saving of the Infant Pyrrhus" by Gérard Audran, at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm immediately struck by the sense of urgency, like a moment frozen in time. What symbols jump out at you in this scene? Curator: Notice how the figures cluster around the infant, Pyrrhus. He is positioned as a symbol of hope amidst chaos, with the figures acting as protectors, guarding the future. The spears and shields are symbols of the very violence they are fleeing. What does this contrast evoke in you? Editor: It makes me think about how vulnerable new beginnings can be and how much protection they need. Thank you, I hadn't thought of it that way! Curator: Indeed. Visual symbols tell powerful stories about our shared past and continue to shape our present understanding.