Five Men Around an Anvil, verso: Figures in a Wood (The Preaching of Saint John the Baptist?) 16th century

Editor: This drawing, "Five Men Around an Anvil," dates from the 16th century and is held here at the Met. It’s unattributed, just "Anonymous," and executed in ink. The scene, a group of men hammering away, evokes a strong sense of labor. How do you interpret the symbolism present in this portrayal of work? Curator: Labor itself carries a rich tapestry of symbolism, doesn't it? Consider the anvil. It's not just a tool; it represents creation, transformation through force, and resilience. In many cultures, the blacksmith, standing before that anvil, embodies a Promethean figure – a shaper of metal, and metaphorically, a shaper of destiny. Notice the repetition of figures wielding hammers, almost a rhythmic pattern, perhaps intended to convey relentless effort. Does this resonance with any cultural narratives that spring to your mind? Editor: Well, it reminds me a bit of Vulcan, the Roman god of the forge, but without the overt divine context. Curator: Precisely! That association points to the visual memory this drawing taps into. Even without explicit godly figures, the implied power and transformation, coupled with the very physical, muscular rendering of the men, hints at a heroic ideal. Furthermore, we cannot ignore the *communitas* these men are involved in; forging something stronger than themselves by cooperating in intense heat. The broken vessel adds an interesting counterpoint - is it a reference to loss, or humility perhaps? What significance might that vessel carry for you? Editor: The vessel suggests that their collective action matters in ways beyond themselves. Maybe it suggests the cost of creation? The risks taken? It is indeed intriguing. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, the symbols here enrich our experience. Reflecting on this artwork's connection between shared labour, ancient memory, and everyday life underscores just how deeply symbolic even the simplest image can be.