Christ Heals the Sick c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an anonymous woodcut print titled "Christ Heals the Sick," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's stark. A scene of intense drama captured with such minimal lines, like a charcoal sketch brought to life. Curator: The lack of color and the simplified forms make it universally accessible, almost like a proto-comic strip intended to convey a clear message. Editor: Absolutely. The city in the background feels almost like a stage set, all about the healing taking place in the foreground. I wonder about the stories of those onlookers in the crowd, so desperate for help. Curator: Exactly, this piece underscores the public nature of Jesus' ministry, playing out in the open, witnessed and shaping the community. Editor: Ultimately, it's a testament to the power of simple forms to express profound themes. Curator: Indeed, it reminds us of how art, even in its most basic forms, can reflect collective hopes and beliefs.