King Manasses doing penance in captivity; verso: Return of the Prodigal Son c. 15th century

Curator: This woodcut, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, depicts King Manasses doing penance in captivity; on the verso, we see the Return of the Prodigal Son. It's an anonymous work. Editor: It feels stark. The figure is quite isolated, emphasizing his confinement. I wonder about the labor involved in its creation. Curator: The image likely comes from a printed book. The materiality of the woodblock—the very act of carving—would have been deeply intertwined with its dissemination and intended audience. Editor: The historical context is fascinating. Manasses, a King of Judah, was known for idolatry, which led to his capture. This print is about repentance, about the political power of religious narratives. Curator: The rough lines and the relative inexperience of the artist, suggest a workshop or a community making readily available images. Editor: It’s a powerful reminder of how visual culture, even at this scale, could shape popular opinion and reinforce moral teachings. What a fascinating connection of faith, and socio-political power.