Miracle of the Loaves c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have "Miracle of the Loaves" by Sébastien Le Clerc the elder. It's a print, part of the collection here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, look at the sheer density of people depicted! It's chaotic but also kind of peaceful, like a murmuration of starlings settling into a field. Curator: This image, printed on a sheet of paper, uses the miracle narrative to represent abundance and societal distribution. Consider the labor that went into producing this print, its potential audience, and the social implications of depicting such a scene. Editor: It makes me think about the times in my life I’ve felt truly grateful for what I have, and how important it is to share that feeling. Curator: Indeed, thinking about its distribution allows us to examine the historical context of the piece, as well as its current place here at Harvard. Editor: A powerful image, prompting reflections on both community and personal experience.