Jubal and Tubalkain; verso: Christ Nailed to the Cross c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing print from the Harvard Art Museums, titled "Jubal and Tubalkain; verso: Christ Nailed to the Cross," by an anonymous artist. The precise date of creation is unknown. Editor: It's stark, isn't it? The figures are rendered with such directness; I find myself focusing on the hands and the instruments they wield. There's an unsettling juxtaposition between creation and destruction. Curator: Precisely. This piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of labor and culture. The top panel depicts Jubal, associated with the invention of music, and Tubalkain, the first artificer in metal. Their activities were deeply intertwined with craft production. Editor: And how that production is framed within a very specific social history, evidenced by the inclusion of the crucifixion scene. The print highlights the role of art within religious and social narratives. It suggests both a condemnation and an exaltation of human making. Curator: It’s a potent reminder that the tools and skills used to create culture can also be employed for violence and oppression. This challenges any romanticized notion of artistic creation. Editor: It leaves you thinking about how these images were consumed and understood by the people who first encountered them. The layering of narratives speaks volumes about the era’s anxieties and beliefs.