Mocking of Christ c. 15th century

Curator: This is a page from an unidentified book, featuring an anonymous woodcut illustration titled "Mocking of Christ," held at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks quite intense. Editor: Yes, the raw emotion is palpable. The central figure, presumably Christ, is surrounded and besieged, head bowed. It’s a harrowing image of vulnerability and derision, isn't it? Curator: Indeed. This depiction speaks to the historical context of religious persecution and public humiliation. The figures’ gestures, their clothing – it all reflects the socio-political climate where such displays were unfortunately common. Editor: The image certainly pulls at core human sensitivities. The way they’ve rendered the aggressors almost as a faceless mob… it amplifies the psychological weight of isolation and betrayal. It taps into a collective fear. Curator: That interplay between individual suffering and societal forces is key. The artist captured not just a biblical event, but a recurring pattern of power dynamics and the abuse of authority. Editor: Exactly. Considering it from an iconographic perspective enriches the experience. There is an underlying universality about the symbol of persecution, it remains potent across centuries. Curator: It’s sobering to see how certain visual narratives can persist, and how they continue to resonate with us today. Editor: Agreed. This small woodcut, it really gives you so much to think about.