Illustration XXXVII c. 15th century

Curator: This is Illustration XXXVII, an anonymous work housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, the stark contrast of black lines on white creates a feeling of intense drama. The composition feels like it's bursting with chaotic energy. Curator: Indeed. It seems to depict the biblical story of Jonah, thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish. Notice how the artist uses dense, rhythmic lines to convey the roiling sea. Editor: And the fish itself—not realistically rendered, but powerfully symbolic. It's a visual embodiment of divine wrath and transformative ordeal. Even the city in the background feels ominous. Curator: The figure of God in the upper right corner adds another layer. Its presence emphasizes the overarching theme of divine intervention and judgment. The composition is divided, like a triptych, emphasizing the different elements of the narrative. Editor: Overall, the image masterfully utilizes the symbolic language of the time. It's a compelling snapshot of humanity’s relationship with the divine, full of fear and the hope of redemption. Curator: I concur; it's a potent example of how form and content can harmoniously amplify the emotional weight of a narrative.