Beheading of Saint John the Baptist c. 15th century

Curator: This is "Beheading of Saint John the Baptist," an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's striking how flat and graphic it is, like a scene from a medieval comic strip. Almost naive, but with real violence. Curator: Indeed. The beheading is a common subject in Christian art, often symbolizing martyrdom and unwavering faith. Notice how the halo still hovers around the severed head. Editor: That halo feels important. It's like even in death, his holiness persists. And the executioner looks almost bored, doesn't he? Curator: Precisely! Such a depiction might suggest a commentary on the banality of evil, the casual indifference to profound acts. Editor: It’s stark but gets the message across. A brutal scene, yes, but the graphic style almost… distances us from the horror. Makes you think. Curator: Yes, it is powerful how such simple symbols can carry so much meaning. Editor: A story told with such economy, yet it echoes through centuries. Fascinating.