Moses with Two Silver Trumpeters c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have Moses with Two Silver Trumpeters, an anonymous print held at the Harvard Art Museums. The stark black and white creates a dramatic visual. Editor: Yes, a kind of roughness that suggests the immediacy of popular imagery. The linear details of the landscape and robes suggest a really interesting textile production. Curator: Indeed, the print participates in a long tradition of biblical imagery, shaping interpretations of Moses’ encounter with divine authority. The trumpets were used for signaling. Editor: The instruments themselves, and their materiality, would've been a sign of real wealth. The production of silver trumpets would have meant labor and specialized knowledge. Curator: Exactly. This image, regardless of its maker, offers a glimpse into the socio-religious symbolism of its time. Editor: And it’s a reminder that even biblical scenes are entangled in the materials and methods of human creation. Curator: A fascinating intersection to consider. Editor: Precisely.