Num. XXI c. 16th century

Curator: This image, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, is entitled "Num. XXI" by Hans Holbein the Younger. Editor: My first impression is one of chaos and desperation. Bodies strewn about, the line work so frantic... it really captures a sense of panic. Curator: Indeed. Holbein, who died in 1543, created this piece as part of a series illustrating the Old Testament. Specifically, this depicts the story from the Book of Numbers, where God sends serpents to punish the Israelites. Editor: It's fascinating how Holbein uses the woodcut medium. The stark contrast amplifies the suffering, almost as if the figures are trapped within the confines of the image. You can't escape the social and physical pain. Curator: The image certainly speaks to the role of art in conveying not only historical narratives but also profound emotional states tied to themes of sin, punishment, and ultimately, redemption. Editor: Holbein's artistic choices prompt us to reflect on how these themes continue to resonate, underscoring enduring power dynamics within societies. It certainly complicates simplistic readings of power and salvation. Curator: A sobering yet powerful visual reflection on a pivotal biblical story. Editor: Precisely. It highlights the continued relevance of these narratives in understanding the complexities of the human condition.