Massacre of the Inhabitants of Prato c. 16th century

Editor: This is Pietro Santi Bartoli's "Massacre of the Inhabitants of Prato," and it looks incredibly violent. What strikes you about how this print engages with the history of conflict and its representation? Curator: Consider the role of prints in disseminating narratives of power. Bartoli, working in the 17th century, engages with the visual language of classical antiquity to frame this massacre. What impact does the use of classical imagery have on contemporary viewers? Editor: It almost glorifies it, making it seem grand and inevitable, rather than a brutal act. Curator: Exactly. And think about who commissioned and consumed these images. They were often part of a political agenda, shaping public perception of historical events and justifying actions of those in power. This print, therefore, becomes a powerful tool for constructing and reinforcing historical narratives. Editor: I see how it’s less about the "what" and more about the "why" and "for whom" it was made. Thanks!