Illustration LVIII: the 19th figure: the Beast makes war with the Lord. The beast and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19: 11-21). c. 16th century

Curator: What strikes me immediately is the sheer density of line in this anonymous illustration. It creates a frenetic energy, doesn't it? Editor: It does. The Harvard Art Museums hold this intriguing piece, titled "Illustration LVIII: the 19th figure: the Beast makes war with the Lord. The beast and the false prophet are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 19: 11-21)." One can only imagine the social context influencing such fervent imagery. Curator: The composition is quite clever; the upper celestial battle mirrors the chaos below. Note the textural contrasts achieved purely through line variation. Editor: Indeed. Consider also the material conditions of its production; likely a woodcut, allowing for relatively cheap reproduction and widespread dissemination of this apocalyptic vision. The wear and tear on the print also speak to its history of consumption. Curator: I see that—the formal elements powerfully convey the drama of the Revelation. Editor: Yes, and investigating this work through the lens of production unveils much about the anxieties of its time. Curator: Absolutely, and from the perspective of form, it’s a solid piece, though perhaps a bit crude. Editor: Both the social and the structural, intertwined. Fascinating!