Illustration VII c. 16th century

Editor: This is "Illustration VII," an anonymous work held at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a busy scene, almost like a stage filled with characters. What underlying narratives do you see within it? Curator: It seems to me to be a commentary on class, power, and access to resources. Notice how some figures are on horseback, elevated, while others are grounded, literally and figuratively. What power dynamics do you observe? Editor: I see the separation, but I hadn't considered it in terms of power. It makes me wonder about the relationship between those on horseback and the figures below. Curator: Exactly! And what roles do the animals play? Are they merely pastoral elements, or are they symbolic of something more? Think about who benefits from their presence, and who is excluded. Editor: That's a lot to think about. I need to consider who is in control and how that affects the narrative and representation within the work. Curator: Precisely. And remember, art often reflects societal structures, reinforcing or challenging them.