Saint Pelagius c. 16th century

Curator: This is an intriguing woodcut print, of anonymous creation, found within the Harvard Art Museums' collection. Its title is "Saint Pelagius." Editor: It has this dramatic, almost chaotic feel. So much is going on in the small image; the eye hardly knows where to settle. It's a bit like peering into a medieval dream. Curator: Looking at the figures, we see a saintly figure on the left being approached by armed men. They seem to be almost harassing him, perhaps asking for his blessing before battle. Editor: The composition feels crammed, though. All those people jostling near what looks like a baptismal font, or maybe a cauldron, under an overhanging bower of leaves? Curator: It is worth noting that such prints played a crucial role in disseminating religious stories and imagery to a wider audience during the late medieval period. They made art accessible. Editor: I still can't get over how much is packed into this little scene. But I suppose that's part of its charm, this little window into another world and time, all in black and white. Curator: Indeed, it provides a complex visual record of a specific historical moment, now frozen in time. Editor: Frozen but full of lively energy, even after all these years.