Two evil spirits coming to a Friar in the form of angels c. 15th century

Curator: This woodcut, titled "Two evil spirits coming to a Friar in the form of angels", is by an anonymous artist. It's currently housed in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My immediate reaction is to its otherworldly feel. The stark contrast of colors and the slightly off-kilter perspective create an unsettling mood. Curator: Indeed. The narrative here draws on medieval anxieties about the corruption of religious life. Note how the 'angels' appear before the friar, attempting to deceive him. Editor: I am intrigued by the formal simplicity. The bold lines, the limited palette—it all speaks to a desire for clarity, almost like a visual sermon. Curator: Precisely. It reflects the socio-political landscape where religious imagery was used to instruct and often to warn the faithful against unseen evils lurking in plain sight. Editor: Looking closely, the composition directs your gaze from the deceptive angels to the vulnerable friar, highlighting a dangerous moment of spiritual trial. This compact staging is rather effective. Curator: This piece reveals the precariousness of piety in a world rife with temptations, both visible and invisible. Editor: I found the stark style and bold contrast arresting, even if the narrative feels a bit didactic by today's standards. The artist created something quite compelling from very limited means.