Virgin and Child; Christ in roundel in gable c. late 14th century

Curator: Here we have "Virgin and Child; Christ in roundel in gable," an anonymous work residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The overall mood is somber. Mary's gaze is so gentle and a bit melancholy, almost as if she already knows what's in store for the child she cradles. Curator: Right, it's fascinating how these images functioned, not just as devotional aids but also as powerful political symbols. They were, after all, endorsements of divine right, weren't they? Editor: And yet, beyond the politics, there's such a quiet intimacy. That close embrace and the soft curves of their faces are so touching. Makes you wonder, doesn't it, about the humanity infused into these sacred figures? Curator: Absolutely. Thinking about the artist, their motivations, how this image would be seen, it’s all quite compelling. Editor: I'm walking away with a lingering sense of compassion and a renewed appreciation for the artist's ability to stir something so profound.