Illustration I 15th-16th century

Curator: This is a woodcut titled "Illustration I," created by an anonymous artist. It resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark lines and monochrome palette create an austere, almost prophetic atmosphere. Is he standing on a mound, or is that a cloud? Curator: The figure depicted is likely Johannes Lichtenberger, a 15th-century astrologer. The text above seems to reference astronomical events and predictions, connecting the image to a broader tradition of prophetic illustrations. Editor: The rigid posture, combined with the soft hat and flowing robe, creates an interesting tension. He is pointing out toward us, almost like a gesture of instruction. Curator: Indeed. Lichtenberger's prophecies were immensely popular. The image and the accompanying text acted as powerful symbols, informing cultural memory and collective anxieties about the future. Editor: The texture of the woodcut and the layout of the text give this piece a tactile quality. The way the light and dark are used is really appealing. Curator: Ultimately, this work, from its visual composition to its textual components, shows the rich symbolic language used during the medieval period to understand and shape our world. Editor: Yes, I find myself thinking about how much meaning was embedded into such a simple image.