Annunciation c. 16th century

Curator: Oh, this is one of Altdorfer's "Annunciation" prints from around the early 16th century, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a woodcut, so tiny, just a few inches. Editor: Intimate, definitely. It feels like a secret whispered in ink. The angel looks like he's barging in on Mary, who's completely absorbed in her reading. Curator: Altdorfer’s style, especially in these smaller works, is so fascinating. He blends this almost folksy aesthetic with incredibly sophisticated spatial rendering. Editor: Right! The detail in such a small space is astonishing. I love the light radiating from... is that supposed to be the Holy Spirit? It looks like a thundercloud! Curator: Perhaps! Altdorfer was also deeply involved in the religious and political upheavals of his time. This Annunciation isn't just a serene scene, it has this undercurrent of disruption. Editor: Well, disruption is at the heart of the story, isn’t it? A young woman’s whole world about to change. Altdorfer really captures that sense of impending upheaval. Curator: Absolutely. It makes you wonder how the piece would have been received by audiences back then. Editor: It's really fascinating how a simple print can hold so much history and emotion. Curator: A small window into a big moment, indeed.