The Creation of the Animals c. 17th century

Curator: This piece from the Harvard Art Museums is titled "The Creation of the Animals" by an anonymous artist. There's a strange, almost naive quality to it, don't you think? Editor: Yes, it has this very etched feel, a real sense of labour in its making. Look at the textures achieved, all those tiny lines creating a whole world. What materials were employed here? Curator: It's an engraving, so likely copperplate. It reminds me of the illustrated Bibles that circulated widely, bringing religious narratives to a broader audience. Editor: Absolutely. This was a reproducible image meant for consumption, not just a devotional object. Consider the paper itself, and the labour involved in its production. Curator: And what is that strange creature alongside familiar animals? A unicorn? Its inclusion reveals cultural values regarding faith, belief, and perhaps even exoticism. Editor: A unicorn represents much, from alchemy and purification to, as you suggest, exoticism. Etching allowed precise control of line, creating detail on a modest scale. I wonder about the engraver, their skills and the social structures of that profession. Curator: It’s fascinating how this single image, likely intended for mass consumption, reflects complex social, religious, and even material histories. Editor: Indeed, understanding the means of production gives us deeper insight into the work's original context and its potential meanings.