Ch. 5. To avoid simony in receiving c. 15th century

Curator: This intriguing, anonymous work, titled "Ch. 5. To avoid simony in receiving," resides here at the Harvard Art Museums. What are your initial thoughts? Editor: Well, immediately, it's got a bit of a "moral fable gone wrong" vibe. I mean, someone's clearly taking a tumble! Curator: Indeed. The image relates to the denouncement of simony, which is the buying or selling of church privileges. Notice how there is one group of women offering some kind of tribute to another group? Editor: Ah, I see now! And on the right, someone's literally falling from grace, taking a deep dive. The composition is quite striking, isn't it? The linear simplicity clashes with the dramatic scene of the guy plummeting. It's unexpectedly funny. Curator: It's a potent visualization of the consequences of corrupt practices. I find it fascinating how visual culture was deployed to communicate moral imperatives. Editor: Absolutely. And as a modern viewer, I'm left pondering the timeless relevance of such warnings. Curator: Yes, this piece really reminds us about how persistent these problems are and how relevant the message continues to be. Editor: Totally! From a creative perspective, that image of free fall really sticks with you.