Crucifixion c. 1470

Editor: This is an image of the Crucifixion, an anonymous work held at the Harvard Art Museums. The angular figures and vibrant colors give it an almost unsettling feel. What can you tell me about the societal context for such a piece? Curator: Considering the historical context, religious imagery like this served as visual rhetoric. Notice how Christ is presented. What does his suffering communicate to the contemporary audience about power, faith, and authority in that period? Editor: So, the image is not just about the biblical story, but also about reinforcing certain power structures? Curator: Precisely. Consider the figures surrounding Christ. How are they depicted? How might their clothing and expressions reflect social hierarchies and the political climate of the time? Editor: That makes me see how the image isn't just a devotional object, but a statement about the world it was made in. Curator: Exactly! It's a powerful reminder of how art and society are intertwined.