The Parable of the Mote and the Beam 1580 - 1585

Editor: Here we have Hans Collaert the Elder’s "The Parable of the Mote and the Beam," a striking print housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The figures are so expressive! What do you see in this piece that stands out compositionally? Curator: The dynamism arises from the tension between the figures. Note the diagonal line created by the beam, juxtaposed against the other figure's contrapposto stance. The texture and tonality also contribute greatly. Editor: Texture and tonality? I was so focused on the figures and the narrative. Curator: Observe how the contrasting colors of the robes—the deep red against the bright orange—draw the eye. Moreover, the hatching and cross-hatching in the background create depth, emphasizing the foreground figures. The composition guides our interpretation, no? Editor: That's a fresh perspective. It's not just the story; it's how the artist tells it through form. Curator: Exactly. The artist's skill in manipulating these elements allows us to engage with the parable on a deeper, more visceral level. Editor: I'll definitely pay closer attention to those formal qualities now. Thanks!