Book XXVIII.45. Ambassadors sent to Delphi with presents from the spoils of Hasdrubal {Tertiae Decadis Liber Octavus p. CLXV verso} 1493

Editor: Here we have Book XXVIII.45. Ambassadors sent to Delphi with presents from the spoils of Hasdrubal. It's an anonymous print. The stark black and white contrast really highlights the figures in procession. What do you make of its formal qualities? Curator: The emphasis on line and the limited tonal range serve to flatten the image, creating a decorative pattern rather than a realistic depiction. Note how the repetition of the horses and their burdens emphasizes the processional aspect. Do you notice how the artist used hatching to suggest form? Editor: Yes, I see the hatching, especially on the horses' legs. It's interesting how the artist chose to represent depth using only lines. Curator: Precisely. The formal constraints actually amplify the visual impact. The reductive nature of the printing process necessitates a focus on essential forms and compositional rhythm. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. So, the medium itself shapes how we perceive the subject. Curator: Exactly. Appreciating the visual elements helps us connect with the aesthetic intentions, even when the artist is unknown.