Saint Bartholomew c. 16th century

Editor: This is Lucas Cranach the Elder's woodcut of Saint Bartholomew, housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's incredibly detailed, and rather disturbing, with all these figures surrounding the central scene. What compositional choices stand out to you? Curator: The high contrast and intricate line work are immediately striking. Observe how Cranach uses hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and shadow. The composition is quite dynamic, isn't it? The artist uses the formal elements to create a narrative. Editor: Dynamic, definitely. It's also quite graphic, depicting the flaying of Saint Bartholomew. Are we meant to focus on the horror, or is there another message? Curator: The horror is undeniable, yet consider how the lines direct your eye throughout the scene, almost creating a sense of inescapable tension. And how do you perceive the role of the architectural elements? Editor: I see, the architecture frames the figures but doesn't offer any real solace. Thanks, I now appreciate how much the formal elements reinforce the narrative. Curator: Indeed, it is through careful consideration of form that we come to understand content.