St. Gregory Writing Copy of 9th-10th century original.

Curator: This relief sculpture, titled "St. Gregory Writing," is housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. The artist is, sadly, unknown. Editor: It has this uncanny stillness about it; like a dream caught in stone. Curator: Indeed, that stillness speaks volumes. Carved in what appears to be ivory, the piece depicts St. Gregory composing his texts, while scribes work below. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the world of early Christian scholarship and book production. Editor: The tiny figures at the bottom, like worker bees... it's almost comical how seriously they’re taking themselves. The whole thing feels like a memory, slightly faded, yet enduring. Curator: The use of ivory itself held symbolic importance, often associated with purity and permanence, reflecting the sacred nature of the text being produced. Editor: It’s strangely comforting, this image of diligent work. Even if we don't know who carved it, it still whispers across time. Curator: Ultimately, it invites us to consider not just the saint, but also the unseen hands that helped shape history.