Ontmoeting tussen paus Leo I de Grote en Attila de Hun 1625 - 1657

Curator: This engraving, currently held at the Rijksmuseum, depicts "The Meeting between Pope Leo I the Great and Attila the Hun," dating from around 1625 to 1657 and created by Samuel Bernard. Editor: It’s a dramatic piece! All that intricate detail pressed into a relatively small space. I am immediately drawn to the contrast between the chaos of Attila's horde on the left and the serene figures surrounding Pope Leo on the right. What’s most striking is the vision in the sky – angelic figures armed, bearing down. Curator: Yes, the heavenly intervention is a key aspect. The story goes that Pope Leo I, leading a delegation, convinced Attila not to sack Rome. The divine figures wielding swords—Peter and Paul—were believed to have appeared to Attila, deterring him. This moment became emblematic of papal authority and the protective power of the Church. Editor: And that symbolism resonates. The angelic warriors signal a force much greater than earthly power. It almost acts as propaganda, emphasizing the triumph of diplomacy backed by divine right. I’m curious, though, how accurate the historical depiction is. Curator: Historians debate that, of course. The event itself likely happened, but its portrayal is heavily laden with symbolism to solidify the Church’s cultural and political power. Notice how Pope Leo is framed, elevated, almost superhuman, against Attila's advancing army. Editor: Precisely. The print highlights the perceived civility of the papacy confronting the “barbarity” of the Huns. Look how chaotic the Hun’s figures are depicted versus the serenity on the right. Curator: That opposition certainly played well within a European narrative where Rome represented order and the "barbarians" embodied a constant, imminent threat. Even down to the engraving’s inscription; "Als Rey dy Harappelle...". I see its creation as an act of its own, inscribing an ideal narrative into the minds of those who see it. Editor: A fascinating dance between history, belief, and political maneuvering captured in ink! It leaves you questioning the relationship between historical accounts and the deliberate narratives shaped by those in power.