Macharius Bitten by Insects c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing, if damaged, print titled "Macharius Bitten by Insects." It's an anonymous work held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's quite striking, actually. The figure, presumably Macharius, has a calm, almost passive expression amidst the chaos of the insect swarm. Curator: Right. The scene depicts a story where Saint Macharius is punished by God with swarms of insects for having lustful thoughts. This reflects the monastic emphasis on resisting worldly temptations. Editor: I see it as a powerful metaphor for internal struggles against desire. Macharius's stillness suggests a refusal to engage, a form of resistance through acceptance. Curator: Exactly. The woodcut's stark lines and the selective use of color add to the emotional weight, illustrating the saint's ordeal and the broader themes of sin, repentance, and divine judgment. Editor: It's a potent reminder of the intertwined nature of the psychological and the theological, and how the body becomes a site of spiritual battle. Curator: I agree. It’s important to note how such images functioned within the religious landscape of the time. Editor: Indeed. I’m left thinking about how this small print encapsulates centuries of anxieties around the body and the soul.