The Capture of King Zedekiah c. 1585

Curator: This print, titled "The Capture of King Zedekiah," is by Anton Wierix II. Part of the Harvard Art Museums collection, its scene unfolds with palpable tension. Editor: Yes, it feels almost frantic. The dynamism of the figures, that push and pull, the swords—the material reality of the conflict is quite present. Curator: It reflects a particular moment in the socio-political history of the Judean kingdom, echoing themes of power and divine judgment within the religious context of the time. Editor: And how Wierix renders metal – the swords, the armor – it emphasizes the tools of war, the labor of crafting them, and, ultimately, their role in conquest. It's the materiality that drives the historical narrative. Curator: It's a powerful visual representation of a significant biblical event. Editor: The print makes me think of how the materials of power intersect with cultural narratives.