The Combat between Tancred and Clorinda: Illustration for Tasso's "Gerusalemme Liberata" c. 17th century

Editor: This is Laurent de La Hyre's "The Combat between Tancred and Clorinda," an illustration for Tasso's "Gerusalemme Liberata". It appears to be a preparatory drawing, maybe charcoal on paper. What details stand out to you? Curator: I'm drawn to the physicality of the combat. Look at the repeated marks, building up the forms. It speaks to the labor involved, the artist's process of constructing this scene. How does this materiality affect our understanding of the heroic narrative? Editor: It's interesting to think about the contrast between the medium and the high subject matter. The sketch-like quality makes it feel more immediate, less idealized. Curator: Precisely. It exposes the mechanics of representation, reminding us that even grand narratives are constructed through deliberate choices in materials and techniques. This challenges traditional notions of artistic genius. Editor: So, it's not just about the story but how the artist's work shaped the story. It’s a perspective I hadn't considered before.