Flight into Egypt c. 16th century

Editor: This is an anonymous piece called "Flight into Egypt," currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a stark black and white image, and the composition feels very direct. What strikes you about this work? Curator: It's fascinating how this relatively simple woodcut speaks to broader anxieties about displacement and refuge. Consider the historical context; such imagery often served as a powerful visual narrative for a largely illiterate public. The image makes their plight—the Holy Family as refugees—relatable. Editor: So, the power lies in its accessibility and how it reflects universal themes? Curator: Precisely. How do socio-political forces shape artistic representation, and in turn, how does art shape public perception? This piece exemplifies that interplay. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about. Thanks for your insights! Curator: My pleasure. It’s always enriching to consider art’s public role.