Seated Prophet or Philosopher with Stag c. 1522

Curator: This is Wolfgang Huber's "Seated Prophet or Philosopher with Stag," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a small piece, roughly 16 by 17 centimeters. Editor: It has such a pensive, almost melancholic feel. The muted tones add to the somber mood. Curator: Huber's use of line really emphasizes the textural contrast between the figure's robes and the stag's smooth coat. I am curious about the cultural context of the paper itself—its availability and production during Huber's time. Editor: The stag is a potent symbol, often representing intuition and connection to nature. Its presence here suggests a figure deeply in tune with the spiritual realm. Perhaps the philosopher sees himself in the stag? Curator: Interesting, the paper support is quite thin and the print work is superb. Editor: Considering these layers of symbolism and Huber's mastery of the medium, this work offers such a rich interpretive experience.