2 Sam. I by Hans Holbein the Younger

2 Sam. I c. 16th century

0:00
0:00

Copyright: CC0 1.0

Curator: Let's turn our attention to "2 Sam. I," a compelling woodcut by Hans Holbein the Younger, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The starkness of the black lines on the page feels very dramatic. What’s the context of this scene? Curator: Holbein depicts a moment from the Book of Samuel. An Amalekite informs David of Saul's death and offers him Saul's crown and bracelet. Note David’s stoic posture as he receives this news. Editor: The material process is fascinating here. Carving such detail into wood to then transfer it onto paper speaks to a very labor-intensive image-making. Curator: Precisely. The high contrast creates a certain intensity. The composition, divided between the carnage and the presentation of the crown, is quite striking. Editor: It is. And that contrast speaks to the brutality of power, doesn't it? From the battle to the formal presentation, everything is crafted, everything intentional. Curator: Yes, a potent visual examination of power and grief. Editor: A compelling glimpse into the labor and legacy of history, wouldn’t you say?

Show more

Comments

No comments

Be the first to comment and join the conversation on the ultimate creative platform.