Dan 16th-17th century

Curator: This is an engraving by Johann Sadeler I, created around the late 16th century, titled simply, "Dan." The print resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The drama is intense! The contorted figure falling from the horse, the coiled snake, and the stern figure of Dan himself, all contribute to a powerful, if somewhat unsettling, scene. Curator: Indeed. This print is part of a larger series depicting the sons of Jacob from the Hebrew Bible. Sadeler, working within a rich visual tradition, uses the image to comment on Dan's prophetic blessing, associating him with cunning and judgment. Note the Latin inscriptions adding further layers of interpretation. Editor: The lines are incredibly detailed. The texture of the horse’s mane, the drape of Dan's garments, even the scales of the snake... It speaks to the skill involved in the engraving process itself. The labor is evident. Curator: Absolutely. And it reveals the socio-political function of prints at the time. These images circulated widely, shaping perceptions of biblical narratives. Editor: Seeing this image prompts me to think about how visual culture was disseminated and consumed back then. Curator: It all ties to production, interpretation, and, of course, the ongoing negotiation between text and image.