Illustration XXV c. 15th century

Editor: This is Illustration XXV, an anonymous work currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a striking image, all stark lines and contrasting figures. What do you see in this piece, particularly regarding its production? Curator: I am immediately drawn to the materiality and process. This is likely a woodcut, given the stark contrasts and distinct lines. Consider the labor involved in carving the block – the artisan, their tools, and the social context of printmaking at the time. Editor: So, you're focusing on the physical creation rather than, say, the king’s authority? Curator: Precisely. How were these images circulated? Who had access to them? The very act of reproducing and distributing images challenges the traditional art world. The material tells a story beyond the depicted scene. Editor: That's a different way of considering it. Thanks! Curator: It encourages a deeper appreciation of art's role in society.