Tail-piece c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing little print called "Tail-piece," a woodcut of unknown origin, found at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It has such an arresting composition, doesn't it? The stark contrast of the black ink on the light ground, those spiraling forms...it feels quite baroque, though the figure is a bit unsettling. Curator: Indeed, tail-pieces like this were often used in books as decorative elements at the end of chapters or sections. It’s fascinating to imagine the kind of text it would have accompanied, shaping the reader's experience. Editor: The linework emphasizes volume and the figure at the center has a definite sense of depth. Curator: Absolutely. The image itself could be interpreted in many ways depending on the context. Was it meant to provide closure, to hint at what's to come, or simply to please the eye? Editor: Well, the anonymous artist has created a composition that is both captivating and formally compelling. Curator: A simple design with intriguing possibilities.