Receiving the Stranger c. 16th century

Curator: This anonymous piece, "Receiving the Stranger," at the Harvard Art Museums, immediately strikes me as an appeal to our empathy. It seems to show a biblical scene, focusing on the act of welcoming. Editor: It's fascinating how this piece invites us to consider our own cultural narratives around immigration and otherness. The figures are rendered with such distinct expressions, it’s almost as if they are pulled from different walks of life. Curator: Exactly, and the composition directs our attention to the performative aspect of hospitality in the early modern era. What societal norms and expectations are at play? Editor: And how do those expectations intersect with gender and class? It’s impossible not to wonder about the power dynamics inherent in this exchange and its impact on contemporary debates about inclusion. Curator: The act of giving, though, is still central here. It makes me reflect on art’s power to spur conversations about the role of community in history. Editor: Indeed. This print reminds us that art can be a potent catalyst for self-reflection and cultural reckoning.