Last Supper c. 15th century

Curator: There's a raw, almost urgent quality to this woodcut, a 'Last Supper' by an anonymous artist, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It feels strangely intimate for such a monumental subject, doesn't it? The stark black and white lines give it a directness, a sense of immediacy. Curator: Yes, the visual language simplifies the narrative, making it universally accessible. Note the lamb on the table—a powerful symbol, prefiguring Christ's sacrifice. Editor: But why a lamb, specifically? Was this intended for a particular audience, a specific cultural context where the lamb held special significance? Curator: Precisely! The lamb connects deeply to Passover traditions, underscoring the Jewish roots of Christianity and the theme of redemption. The image taps into centuries of collective memory. Editor: It's fascinating how such a simple composition can carry so much weight. It makes you wonder about the role of this image in its time and how it circulated. Curator: Indeed. It's a potent reminder of the enduring power of symbols to shape beliefs and understanding. Editor: A lasting image, provoking questions still relevant today.