The Trojans Bring the Wooden Horse into Their City 1535 - 1555

Curator: Here we have "The Trojans Bring the Wooden Horse into Their City," a print made with ink using engraving by Jean Mignon, dating back to the mid-16th century. What’s grabbing your attention first? Editor: Scale, definitely. That horse is monumental, towering over everything. And yet, something feels unsettling... almost like forced excitement in this momentous occasion. Curator: Absolutely. The image, rich in historical narrative, depicts the culmination of the Trojan War, showcasing the infamous deception. What’s striking is the visible exertion as men strain to haul the massive horse. It’s a public spectacle orchestrated for a trusting populace. Editor: Exactly, it feels staged, a performance put on for the jubilant crowd. Look at their faces. Are they celebrating, or are they nervous, maybe even terrified? I feel their expressions are difficult to read. Almost like they’re characters in a play who don’t know how the show ends. And what is up with those muscular figures breaking apart the city wall above? Curator: The depiction plays a key role. Breaking the city wall rather than using the gates adds another level to their destruction. The image presents not just a physical action but reflects a profound shift in power dynamics and the irreversible altering of Troy's fate. The horse is both a monument of victory and impending doom, an irony amplified by its sheer size and placement. Editor: So, Mignon wasn't merely illustrating a historical event; he was inviting us to ponder the theatrics of power and deception. I love how this print manages to convey the fragility of trust. Curator: It demonstrates how art can encapsulate historical narratives and speak to audiences centuries later. It speaks to us about the power of propaganda and the manipulation of public opinion. Editor: A sobering thought, especially today. It's fascinating how an image from so long ago can still resonate with such urgency.