Female penitent c. 16th century

Curator: Here we see an anonymous work, “Female Penitent,” held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s a compelling image. Editor: Yes, the texture immediately strikes me. Look at the density of lines, creating light and shadow. It feels coarse, almost tactile. Curator: Indeed. The figure kneeling in prayer, that halo signifies sanctity. And above, the figure bearing what looks to be instruments of divine punishment. Editor: The roughness of the printmaking process speaks volumes. Think of the labor, the carving, the repeated impressions to spread these messages. It democratizes the image, making it accessible. Curator: Absolutely. This image and its symbols would have been instantly legible: sin, repentance, and divine judgement. Editor: I'm still drawn to the materiality—the wood, the ink, the hand that created those marks. It connects us to the maker, and the culture of production. Curator: For me it is the enduring symbolism of repentance and grace. Editor: A fascinating intersection of process and meaning.