Piece III c. 16th century

Curator: Looking at "Piece III" here at the Harvard Art Museums, an anonymous artwork, I'm immediately struck by its density, almost a woven tapestry of imagery in miniature. Editor: Yes, the creatures feel very present, even loud, despite the small scale. I can sense the influence of some graphic novel aesthetic, or maybe old woodblock prints. Curator: It does recall the visual language of heraldry, but twisted and warped. Notice the almost grotesque faces staring back at us, surrounded by baroque-like flourishes. It suggests a challenge to authority, or at least a playful mockery of established symbols. Editor: I wonder if its anonymous nature speaks to the artist's wish to disassociate themselves from some societal norm. Or maybe they just liked the mystery. Curator: Perhaps a bit of both. The deliberate anonymity imbues the piece with an added layer of intrigue, prompting us to consider the hidden narratives embedded within these fierce visual motifs. Editor: Absolutely. It's a piece that lingers with you, prompting questions long after you've walked away.