Ch. 109. Contempt of Misfortune c. 15th century

Curator: This is an anonymous woodcut, titled "Ch. 109. Contempt of Misfortune" and held in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the image of the jester in this choppy boat. It feels like a warning, a dark fairytale. Curator: Yes, the fool seems to be steering directly into a storm. He’s grasping at the flag as if it will save him. There is a cultural memory embedded here, warning against the perils of folly. Editor: And the text surrounding the image—the dense block of lettering. What does it tell us about the intended audience and the purpose of this work? Curator: The text reinforces the image, commenting on the nature of misfortune and the choices that lead to destruction. Visually, the jester image becomes a memorable symbol of the proverb. Editor: It's a potent reminder that some symbolic images cut right through centuries to remain relevant. Curator: Precisely, even without knowing the specific historical context, the message is quite clear.