Charity c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing, unsigned work titled simply, Charity, from the collections of the Harvard Art Museums. It’s rendered on a relatively small sheet, only about 18 by 14 centimeters. Editor: It's stark, almost severe. The thin lines of the engraving give the scene a wiry, intellectual feel. Everything seems meticulously etched. Curator: The etching depicts a female figure, presumably Charity, offering sustenance to a kneeling figure. Note the subtle symbolism of the flames she holds, representing divine love. Editor: But look closer—there's a box at the bottom with snakes slithering around it! What was the workshop's material reality to produce such a contradictory, emotionally complicated image? Curator: Indeed, the snakes are a reminder of earthly temptation, a challenge to Charity's virtue. The artist uses these symbols to explore complex, eternal human concerns. Editor: The choice to use printmaking allows for reproduction and wider distribution, practically democratizing such potent iconography. Curator: A poignant intersection of process and symbol. I leave contemplating how these contrasting elements affect our understanding of compassion and temptation. Editor: The artist's careful use of materials to disseminate this idea is a powerful statement about art's role in social discourse.