Head-piece c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have "Head-piece," an intriguing anonymous work held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It's stark, isn’t it? Like a dark omen rendered in simple, deliberate strokes. Curator: Indeed. The woodcut medium allows for strong contrasts. Notice how the iconography—the eagle, the skull sun—suggests complex themes of death and rebirth. We see that the banner bears an inscription. Editor: Yes! "Renovata Iuventus," which translates to "Renewed Youth," or "Rejuvenation." The production of a black-and-white print like this suggests both efficiency and circulation. I wonder about its original function. Curator: Exactly, and the symbolism is very evocative of its cultural moment. Editor: Right. Looking at it, I feel strangely hopeful. The bleakness is balanced by the promise of transformation. Curator: Precisely. The labor involved in carving this is significant. Each line bears the weight of intention. Editor: It makes you ponder the cycles of life and our fleeting existence within them. Curator: Absolutely, and in terms of its making and the social context, it’s a profound statement. Editor: Well, it certainly leaves a lasting impression.