Book XXXVIII.49-50. Scipio Asiaticus (Lucius Cornelius Scipio) convicted of embezzling and ordered to prison, his relations contribute to his fine {Quarte Decadis Liber Octavus p. CCXXXVIII verso} 1493

Curator: This is an intriguing woodcut titled "Book XXXVIII.49-50. Scipio Asiaticus (Lucius Cornelius Scipio) convicted of embezzling and ordered to prison, his relations contribute to his fine". Editor: It feels so stark, doesn't it? The sharp lines and stark contrast evoke a sense of grim finality. Curator: Indeed. The symbolic language is rich. Note the doorway, a potent symbol of transition, contrasting with the man counting coins, embodying earthly concerns and consequences. Editor: The figures walking towards the doorway are fascinating. They all seem connected, yet each is isolated within the composition. Is that a shared guilt, perhaps? Curator: It could represent shared responsibility, yes. Or possibly the burden of familial loyalty influencing the formal relationships. A powerful piece. Editor: Absolutely. It’s a haunting depiction of justice, visually echoing moral constraint and the consequences of greed.