Adoration of the Kings c. 16th century

Curator: Albrecht Altdorfer, who lived from around 1480 to 1538, created this woodcut, "Adoration of the Kings," now held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's a marvel how much raw emotion the artist wrings from such a small, coarse medium. The scene feels claustrophobic, yet charged with spiritual energy. Curator: Note how the artist uses dense hatching and cross-hatching to generate volume and shadow, drawing the eye to the central figures of Mary, Jesus, and the kneeling king. Editor: The dilapidated wooden structure framing the scene suggests the humble, material conditions of Christ's birth, yet this scene is still filled with divine significance, given what's being rendered and its place in society. Curator: The dynamic diagonals of the roof structure contrast with the static verticality of the figures, creating a subtle tension. Editor: It’s interesting to consider that the consumption and display of this artwork in its time might have reinforced notions of piety and social hierarchy. Curator: Indeed, it is a compact but intricate work demonstrating Altdorfer's skill in manipulating line and form. Editor: A rather potent reminder that artistic expression doesn't exist in a vacuum.