Mary Anoints Christ c. 15th century

Curator: This woodcut, "Mary Anoints Christ," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, is by an anonymous artist. It has a striking starkness. Editor: Yes, the bold lines and lack of color create a dramatic, almost urgent feel. You immediately see the figure at Christ's feet. Curator: The print captures a key moment in the Gospels. We see Mary Magdalene, often interpreted as a repentant figure, anointing Jesus' feet. The composition places her subservient to Christ who appears as the more important figure. Editor: I see the power dynamic. The male figures behind Christ are rigidly upright, while Mary is bowed, literally at their feet. It speaks volumes about women's roles. Curator: Such prints were likely widely distributed, shaping popular understanding of biblical stories and reinforcing social norms. Editor: Precisely. It's a compact scene loaded with layers of social and religious messaging. Curator: It's a powerful example of how art serves as a mirror to its historical context. Editor: I’m struck by how this intimate act of devotion is so overtly framed by patriarchal structures.