Saint Simon c. 16th century

Editor: This is Lucas Cranach the Elder's "Saint Simon," from the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a striking woodcut. The detail is incredible, especially the crosshatching. What kind of narrative do you see at play here? Curator: It's intriguing to consider this work within the context of the Reformation. Cranach was a close friend of Martin Luther. How might this image challenge or reinforce the religious and social norms of the time? Look at the saw, a symbol of Simon's martyrdom, almost casually placed. Editor: It seems to suggest a quiet acceptance of a violent fate. Curator: Exactly. It's fascinating to consider how Cranach uses Saint Simon to comment on power, faith, and resistance during a period of immense social and religious upheaval. Editor: This gives me a lot to think about! Curator: Me too! It’s a reminder that art is often a reflection of the turbulent times in which it was created.