Don Quixote and Sancho mounted on Clavileño 1781

Curator: This engraving, "Don Quixote and Sancho mounted on Clavileño," by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, captures a moment of fantastical absurdity. Editor: It’s wonderfully theatrical! The central image of the two figures on a wooden horse evokes a playful, almost carnivalesque atmosphere amidst the witnessing crowd. Curator: Exactly, Saint-Aubin encapsulates the performative nature of Quixote’s delusions. The ‘Clavileño’ itself is a constructed reality, a symbol of imagination taking flight. Editor: And look at the audience. Their expressions suggest a spectrum of reactions, from amusement to outright disbelief, highlighting the societal impact of Quixote’s antics. Curator: Yes, their presence underscores the social commentary inherent in Cervantes' work. It showcases how easily beliefs can be manipulated within a community. Editor: It really underscores how narratives, even fabricated ones, can profoundly affect the social and political landscape. Curator: Indeed, the power of fabricated realities to shape public perception. Editor: A timeless theme, captured brilliantly.