Crucifixion with the Two Thieves c. 15th century

Editor: This is an anonymous engraving entitled "Crucifixion with the Two Thieves," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. There's such a powerful sense of drama and suffering evoked by the crowded composition. What do you see in the image that resonates historically? Curator: Consider the visual politics at play. This print, likely produced for a broad audience, transforms a scene of Roman state-sponsored execution into a spectacle of faith. How do you interpret the artist's decision to include both the Roman soldiers and the grieving followers of Christ? Editor: I suppose showing both sides creates a sense of conflict, but also emphasizes the triumph of faith over earthly power. Curator: Exactly. The artist manipulates the narrative, using the medium of printmaking to disseminate a specific message about power, belief, and the social order. Art served a purpose. Editor: I see how the historical context really shapes how we understand the image. Curator: And how the image shapes our understanding of history!