Cut XXVIII c. 16th century

Curator: This is "Cut XXVIII," an intriguing, anonymous print from the Harvard Art Museums. I can’t help but wonder, what's your first impression? Editor: Chaos, honestly! But organized chaos. It’s like a heraldic beast designed by someone who’d just had a triple espresso. Curator: There’s such a primal energy in those flanking grotesque heads, isn’t there? And then this delicate, almost serene face in the center. Editor: It's all about the lines, isn't it? I imagine the work it took to carve such intricate details. The labor behind these old prints fascinates me. Curator: Absolutely. It’s a potent reminder of how art can spring from both the wildest imaginings and the most disciplined craftsmanship. Editor: Exactly. Each line is a testament to the anonymous artist's skill and dedication. It’s both strange and completely mesmerizing.