Woodblock: Christ Healing the Blind Man c. 1480

Curator: This is a woodblock simply titled "Christ Healing the Blind Man," a work by an anonymous artist, here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's remarkably dark; the figures are barely discernible, evoking a sense of profound obscurity before the promised miracle. Curator: The physicality of the woodblock itself is key—imagine the labor involved, each cut a testament to faith expressed through skilled craftsmanship. The block would have been used to produce multiple prints. Editor: Indeed, and the act of healing is central here: the restoration of sight as a potent metaphor for spiritual awakening. The symbols are bold but obscured. Curator: Right, the woodcut’s accessibility allowed mass production and widespread dissemination, impacting how religion was consumed and understood. Editor: It’s a powerful piece, isn’t it? The darkness invites contemplation, while the symbolism points towards hope and transformation.