Illustration XXIII 15th-16th century

Curator: Here we have "Illustration XXIII" by an anonymous artist, a rather striking woodcut print. The piece resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has such a medieval feel! Dark, bold lines, and the King of France looms large, almost confrontational. Curator: It's fascinating to consider the production process: the artist meticulously carving the image in reverse on a woodblock, then inking and printing it. The resulting prints would have been relatively inexpensive and widely circulated. Notice the use of hatching to suggest depth and shadow, a hallmark of the woodcut technique. Editor: I'm drawn to his almost sad expression, though. Despite his regal attire and the fleur-de-lis banner, there's a vulnerability there, a sense of the weight of the crown. Or maybe I'm just projecting! Curator: Perhaps, but the print also presents a potent representation of power dynamics, playing with text and image. The text frames the image, suggesting it's tied to prophecy and royal authority. Editor: I see a story here, struggling to get out. I keep thinking about the stories this king could tell. Curator: Indeed. The interplay of the textual and visual elements underscores the complex relationship between power, representation, and belief in the early modern period.