The Clerk, Dreaming beneath a Tree, Beholds a Vision of the King Seated with a Queen Standing on Each Side c. 15th century

Curator: This is an intriguing, untitled woodcut by an anonymous artist, held in the Harvard Art Museums, often called "The Clerk, Dreaming beneath a Tree, Beholds a Vision of the King Seated with a Queen Standing on Each Side." Editor: It feels like a glimpse into someone’s subconscious. The stark black and white, the dreaming clerk—it's all very psychological. Curator: Look at the detail in the king's robes versus the simple lines depicting the clerk. The power dynamic is clear, crafted with simple tools. Editor: The choice of woodcut—accessible and reproducible—makes me wonder about the intended audience. Was it meant to be a critique of power, subtly disseminated? Curator: Perhaps. Dreams blur those lines, don't they? A king is just a man, a clerk can imagine being king. Editor: Or perhaps just question him. Anyway, it's remarkable how much narrative is packed into such a small, unassuming print. Curator: A testament to the power of images, even simple ones, to unlock worlds within worlds.