Decoration VI c. 16th century

Editor: This is "Decoration VI," an anonymous print from the Harvard Art Museums' collection. It's full of bizarre, fantastical imagery! What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a commentary on power. Who gets to define beauty and taste, and how is that power wielded? This print speaks to the lineage of decorative arts, often dismissed as "feminine" or unserious, while simultaneously showcasing mastery of technique. Editor: So, you're saying it challenges traditional hierarchies? Curator: Precisely. By embracing the decorative, the artist implicitly questions what is valued and what is marginalized within the broader art world and society. What do you think? Editor: I hadn't considered that! Now I see how it opens up a dialogue about value and representation. Thanks!