Last Supper; verso: Graces to God at the Hour of Evensong (Christ Praying on the Mount of Olives) c. 15th century

Curator: This is an intriguing page featuring two scenes, jointly titled "Last Supper; verso: Graces to God at the Hour of Evensong (Christ Praying on the Mount of Olives)." It's an anonymous work, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: I'm immediately drawn to the stark contrast of the linear woodcut against the dense block of gothic text. It creates a sort of solemn, meditative mood. Curator: Precisely, the anonymous printmaker skillfully employs the woodcut to convey both narrative clarity and emotional depth. Notice the intricate details in the figures' faces, the expressive hands. Editor: What interests me is the labor involved in its production – the careful carving of the block, the pressure of the printing, even the composition of the ink itself all speak to a devotion to craft. Curator: Indeed, and the formal arrangement of the figures within the composition creates a sense of balance, even harmony, that aligns with the spiritual subject matter. It speaks to a deep understanding of compositional principles. Editor: The materiality suggests a tangible connection to the era—a moment captured not only in image but through the very act of making and distribution, a process as central as the iconongraphy. Curator: An astute observation, it prompts us to consider the artistic choices and their impact on the viewer's spiritual experience. Editor: It really does invite one to reflect on the historical labor and faith embedded within the artwork’s creation.