Saint James the Less c. 16th century

Curator: Lucas Cranach the Elder created this woodcut, "Saint James the Less." It is now part of the collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The stark black lines against the cream background create such a striking contrast! There's a sense of devout purpose, but also something playfully surreal. Curator: Absolutely. Cranach, working in Wittenberg, was deeply involved in the Reformation, and this piece reflects the era's shifting religious landscape and the role of saints within it. Editor: Notice how the lines vary in thickness, giving depth to the figure. The drapery folds are incredibly detailed, almost sculptural. And what's the meaning behind those two cherubs? Curator: Those cherubs and the setting with a distant city are part of the symbolism associated with Saint James. Cranach was commissioned by wealthy patrons and the church. Editor: Regardless of its purpose, it's a masterclass in the art of the woodcut. The composition, the figure, the landscape—it's all so brilliantly intertwined. Curator: Indeed. It shows how artistic expression can convey complex ideas during times of religious and social change.