Saint Christopher c. 19th century

Curator: Looking at Johann Nepomuk Strixner’s rendition of Saint Christopher, I immediately sense a somber dignity. Editor: The image certainly evokes a weighty feeling, doesn’t it? It's interesting to consider this image, held at the Harvard Art Museums, in light of Christopher’s role as a protector, particularly during times of plague. Curator: Absolutely. There's an almost painful grace to how Christopher wades through the water, burdened yet resolute, with the child perched on his shoulder. The monochromatic palette seems to amplify that. Editor: Indeed. This representation also speaks to broader themes of service and sacrifice, and how those are often gendered, with men as protectors and providers. The towering figure of Christopher, contrasted with the child, underscores societal expectations of masculinity. Curator: I can see that. For me, it’s a potent reminder that bearing burdens, be they literal or metaphorical, is part of the human condition. Editor: And it begs the question, whose burdens are valorized, and whose are rendered invisible? The image leaves me contemplating the power dynamics inherent in acts of service and the stories we tell about them.