The Rich Man with Lazarus c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing, though unsigned, print titled "The Rich Man with Lazarus," part of the Harvard Art Museums' collection. Editor: Gosh, this is stark! The contrasts just leap out, this real tug-of-war between feast and famine, heaven and hell. It’s pretty raw, isn’t it? Curator: Indeed. Consider the woodcut technique, the labor involved in carving each line to create these distinct visual layers. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about dissemination, making religious parables accessible to a wider audience. Editor: Right, like a visual sermon. I'm drawn to Lazarus at the bottom there, the dog licking his sores. There's a real visceral connection, a sort of empathetic pain that cuts right through the ages. Curator: And then contrast that with the rich man's table—the textures, the suggestion of abundant food. This juxtaposition wasn't accidental. It reflects a deep social commentary on wealth, poverty, and divine judgment. Editor: It does make you think, though, doesn't it? This little print really encapsulates so much about the anxieties of the time. It has this enduring power. Curator: Yes, a potent reminder of the material conditions that shape our spiritual and moral lives.