The Canticle of Moses 15th-16th century

Curator: This is "The Canticle of Moses," an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how its stark black and white contrasts imbue it with a sense of austere solemnity. Curator: Indeed. The print powerfully conveys the symbolic weight of Moses, complete with horns, leading his people after the crossing of the Red Sea. Notice his raised hand, a gesture of divine authority. Editor: And the musical instruments! The women with their viol and pipes suggest a celebration, a collective outpouring of gratitude through sound, enriching the symbolism. Curator: The artist's use of dense, parallel lines creates form and volume, and the layering of figures in the background contributes to a complex, engaging composition. Editor: Those musical instruments also feel allegorical, their very forms and sounds connected to religious symbolism we see expressed throughout art history. Curator: A compelling piece. The artwork's power resides in its graphic articulation of a pivotal biblical moment. Editor: It is indeed a reminder that even seemingly simple artistic forms can carry enormous historical and cultural significance.