Book XXXVI.10. Fires at Gonni repel Antiochus {Quarte Decadis Liber Septimus p. CCXIX verso} 1493

Curator: Here we have an anonymous print, "Book XXXVI.10. Fires at Gonni repel Antiochus," which is part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It's stark, isn't it? All those sharp lines making up the scene. I’m thinking about the labor needed to create this. Curator: It depicts a historical moment, focusing on Antiochus' failed siege. Notice how the fires on the altar become a symbol of resistance and defense. Editor: And the altar itself, so central. Was it a common material for defence or some kind of repurposed object? Curator: Altars often symbolized the heart of a city’s spiritual and political power. In this context, it signifies defying Antiochus. Editor: So, through the labor of creating this print, a political message is crafted, using the materials at hand. Quite potent. Curator: Indeed, it showcases how art can serve as a powerful tool for shaping historical narratives and communal identity. Editor: Exactly, and by looking at the material choices, we get a sense of the resources and values of the time.