The Adoration of the Magi; left panel: The Nativity; right panel: The Presentation in the Temple c. 1520

Curator: This artwork, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, is a triptych. It’s called The Adoration of the Magi, and the two side panels depict The Nativity and The Presentation in the Temple. Editor: It's very striking! The artist’s use of color creates a solemn yet radiant quality. The composition in each panel is densely packed. Curator: Absolutely. An anonymous artist created this. I find myself considering the artist's workshop and the socioeconomic conditions in which these panels were produced. We can see the labor of the craft reflected in the details. Editor: While that's fascinating, I’m particularly drawn to the formal aspects; the interplay of light and shadow in the architectural elements is so compelling. The artist's manipulation of perspective creates depth, drawing the viewer into each scene. Curator: Perhaps the patron dictated certain iconographic elements or the use of specific materials to display their wealth and piety. Editor: I agree that the historical context and material conditions are important. Still, let’s not overlook the inherent artistic qualities and how they shape our experience. Curator: A final thought: considering that we don’t know the artist’s name, it is really humbling to think about the artist's purpose. Editor: It’s a beautiful, multilayered work to contemplate the artistic intention and visual language used to convey the narrative.