Illustration from Adelphi, The Brothers c. 16th century

Editor: This is an anonymous illustration from a copy of the play *Adelphi, The Brothers*, held at the Harvard Art Museums. I'm struck by how much the visual style evokes a stage performance. What can you tell me about this image's relationship to the theater of its time? Curator: It’s interesting you say that. Woodcut illustrations like this one served a vital role in popularizing theatrical works. Consider how the stark, linear style echoes the simplicity of stage sets, and how the figures' gestures, though stylized, communicate dramatic action. How do you think this image might have influenced public perceptions of the play itself? Editor: Well, I suppose it made the play more accessible, visually summarizing key scenes for a wider audience. It’s fascinating how art shapes our understanding of literature. Curator: Exactly. And it raises questions about the role of images in constructing cultural narratives. This little illustration, an anonymous creation, speaks volumes about the complex relationship between art, theatre, and society.