Illustration preceding Book 3 1500

Editor: This is an anonymous woodcut, "Illustration preceding Book 3," currently at the Harvard Art Museums. The composition, with its distinct registers, feels very formal and hierarchical. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating visual argument for the divine right of authority, steeped in the socio-political anxieties of its time. Notice how the upper register legitimizes earthly power by depicting Christ and Mary amidst a heavenly court. The text then reinforces this by stating all power comes from God. Editor: So, it's about justifying power structures? Curator: Precisely. But consider who this message truly serves. Does it comfort the ruled, or primarily benefit those in authority? The positioning of the earthly rulers in the bottom register further reinforces the connection to divine right. Editor: I never thought about art serving that kind of purpose before. Curator: Art is never neutral. Understanding its role in shaping social norms is crucial. I'm glad we considered the power dynamics embedded in this woodcut!