Saint Matthias c. 16th century

Curator: This is Lucas Cranach the Elder's "Saint Matthias," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. I find it strikingly direct. Editor: He looks weary, yet resolute. The stark black and white gives it this otherworldly quality, like a vision surfacing from the depths. And he's holding an axe—not your typical saintly attribute. Curator: Right, the axe is a key element, referencing Matthias's martyrdom. And Cranach's masterful use of line work creates such depth and texture. The material itself, probably woodcut, speaks to the democratization of religious imagery at the time. Editor: It's incredible to think of this existing almost 500 years ago! Imagine, each print making this image of faith tangible, repeatable, and accessible. It’s like a prayer in visual form, ready for distribution. Curator: Precisely. The labor involved—the carving, the printing—reflects a significant investment of time and resources in propagating religious beliefs. Editor: Looking at this, I am reminded of the power of simple tools to convey complex ideas. Curator: Agreed, a testament to both Cranach's artistry and the evolving role of art in religious life.