Lot and Abraham c. 15th century

Editor: This is "Lot and Abraham," an anonymous work at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like a woodcut. I'm struck by the stark lines and the way the domestic scene is rendered. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: The visible labor in this woodcut is compelling. Notice how the artist uses dense, repetitive lines, a direct and accessible method. Its cultural value lies not only in its representation of a biblical scene, but in the means of its production. Were such prints commonly consumed? Editor: I hadn't thought about its production that way. That gives me a lot to consider! Curator: It highlights the relationship between artistic creation, material conditions, and a potential audience. Think about the market forces at play that drove this type of production.