Illustration XXXV 15th-16th century

Curator: This is Illustration XXXV, an anonymous work residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a striking image. Editor: It has a solemn, almost severe quality, doesn't it? The figure is quite imposing. Curator: Indeed. It represents Sancta Brigida, also known as Saint Bridget, and is a woodcut. The saint holds what appears to be a book. Editor: Consider the historical context. Such an image would have been powerful, asserting a woman's intellectual and spiritual authority during a period when such power was often denied. Curator: Precisely. It reflects the institutional structures and beliefs of its time, using imagery to convey specific political and social messages. Editor: And for contemporary audiences, its power lies in the complexities of its narrative, offering a space for dialogue. Curator: Absolutely, it gives us much to consider about gender, power and representation. Editor: It's a potent reminder of the ongoing struggle for recognition.