Saints in Medallions c. 10th century

Curator: This is "Saints in Medallions," a small but compelling work of art, currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums, made by an unidentified artist. Editor: What strikes me immediately is the subtle interplay of lines—the curves of the medallions against the rigid rectangular frame creates a sense of contained energy, almost like holding one's breath. Curator: Exactly! The artist uses this framework to explore ideas of restraint and devotion. The haloed saints, each holding sacred texts or symbols, are framed by decorative vines and foliage. Editor: Those repeated circular forms create a sense of unity and eternity. I see echoes of Byzantine art, but the simplified forms are intriguing. Curator: Yes, these images tap into deep archetypes, but with a personal touch, which I find so endearing. Editor: The way these symbolic figures are presented in a repetitive frame reminds me of human perception, of our struggle to perceive the same essence of the divine. Curator: It's a lovely reminder that the path to the divine is often found in the repeating patterns of everyday life, like the tides, or the phases of the moon.