Saint Francis of Assisi (?) c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have a piece entitled "Saint Francis of Assisi (?)", an anonymous work held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The high contrast of the ink immediately strikes me. There's a dynamic rhythm established through the repeated hatching marks. Curator: Indeed. Notice how the figure of St. Francis is surrounded by symbols that resonate with his cultural memory: the birds, the halo, the city on a hill. Editor: The composition is fairly simple, but it gets the job done. I'm curious about the material itself; it seems like a relief print. Curator: Very astute! The artist uses the symbolism to convey a spiritual narrative, drawing the viewer closer to the divine. Editor: The medium gives the image a primitive quality, the simplicity of the lines heightens the figure’s pious character. Curator: I find the artist captured a timeless message with a simple scene. Editor: It’s a good example of how the materiality of the image works to shape our understanding.