Illustration XXXIII c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have Illustration XXXIII, an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My initial impression is that it appears deceptively simple, a woodcut almost like a medieval morality play in miniature. Curator: The figure of Josee points heavenward, seemingly instructing or guiding the woman and children—the city behind them hints at a potential destination. Editor: I'm drawn to the city itself. Those stark lines create a formidable, almost oppressive image, especially given its juxtaposition with the familial scene in the foreground. It feels very symbolic. Curator: Indeed, the woodcut medium underscores the stark choices faced by marginalized communities. The contrast here highlights systemic barriers and the importance of guidance in navigating oppressive structures. Editor: The figures all face different directions, each seeming to suggest different pathways, an intriguing tension between fate and free will in the face of those formidable city walls. Curator: Precisely, and perhaps it's this duality that offers a space for agency—for the possibility of rewriting one's narrative despite the prevailing structures of power. Editor: It's a potent reminder that the stories we tell are embedded in larger visual and cultural legacies.