Saint James the Less c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have "Saint James the Less," an anonymous drawing held at the Harvard Art Museums, measuring about 31 by 21 centimeters. Quite striking, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely! The stark contrast immediately grabs you. He looks like he's seen some things, holding onto his saw like it's a lifeline. Curator: Indeed. Note the dynamic use of line; observe how it creates a sense of movement. The figure’s pose, coupled with the swirling hair, suggests a moment of intense contemplation. Editor: Or maybe he’s just thinking about how uncomfortable those sandals look. I wonder what the artist was trying to convey with such a raw, almost unfinished quality. Feels very immediate. Curator: That "unfinished quality," as you call it, contributes to its power. The artist seems less concerned with naturalistic representation and more focused on capturing an essence. Editor: It's a beautifully imperfect image. It reminds us that even saints are just people, wrestling with their own realities. Curator: Precisely! It's a testament to how much expression can be achieved through formal means, even in an anonymous work. Editor: Makes you think about what's really sacred, doesn't it? And what we choose to leave out of the story.