Woodblock: Saint Sebastian 15th-16th century

Curator: This striking woodblock, titled "Saint Sebastian," is an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. The image depicts the martyred saint bound and pierced by arrows. Editor: It’s immediately haunting. The stark lines and somber tones evoke a deep sense of suffering and vulnerability. There's a powerful stillness amidst the violence. Curator: The woodblock technique lends itself well to the transmission of symbols. Notice the halo, a clear indicator of sanctity, contrasting the brutal depiction of his execution. Saint Sebastian’s image became a symbol of resilience during times of plague. Editor: Absolutely. And it's crucial to remember that in visualizing the suffering of a saint, the image connects individual experiences of pain to wider narratives of persecution and injustice that are still relevant today. His body is a site of political and social struggle. Curator: Indeed, the image transforms the personal tragedy into a symbol of enduring faith and strength. Editor: It's a potent reminder that art can simultaneously depict individual anguish and galvanize collective action against systemic oppression. Curator: A fascinating intersection of the historical and the timeless, wouldn't you agree? Editor: I'm left pondering how these historical portrayals of suffering shape our current understanding of social justice.