2 Sam. XIV c. 16th century

Editor: This woodcut is by Hans Holbein the Younger, titled 2 Sam. XIV, and it's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. The stark contrast between the figures and background gives it a dramatic, almost theatrical feel. What do you see in this piece from a formalist perspective? Curator: Observe the linear precision. Holbein’s strategic use of line dictates form and space. Note the stark contrast, creating a visual hierarchy, guiding our gaze. How does the composition evoke a sense of narrative tension, wouldn't you say? Editor: It does, now that you mention it. The lines certainly give it that feel. I appreciate your insights on how line and contrast construct the narrative. Curator: Indeed. Formal elements reveal the essence of the artwork; their deliberate arrangement is key to understanding its impact.