Copy: Border of the Table of Cebes c. 16th century

Curator: This is a print by Hans Holbein the Younger, titled “Copy: Border of the Table of Cebes.” It is currently held in the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's incredibly detailed! My initial reaction is a sense of being overwhelmed. There's so much going on within that border. Curator: Yes, Holbein's known for his detail. The border surrounds a central text, and is packed with miniature scenes. It seems to be a commentary on morality and virtue, judging by the figures and narratives depicted. Editor: It does feel didactic. Knowing Holbein’s context, I wonder about the power dynamics represented here. Are these accessible allegories, or are they intended to reinforce specific social hierarchies? Curator: That's a good question. Holbein operated within a world of religious and political upheaval, so his art often served multiple purposes. It could be decorative, moralizing, and even subtly subversive. Editor: Exactly! And given the period, I think it's important to consider whose morals and virtues are being promoted and at whose expense. There is always a political agenda behind these images. Curator: A crucial point to keep in mind as we analyze these older works. Editor: Absolutely. These images are a reminder that art and power are always intertwined, whether we acknowledge it or not.