Illustration IX c. 16th century

Editor: Illustration IX, an anonymous work from the Harvard Art Museums, is rendered in a woodcut style. I'm immediately struck by the stark contrast and the artist's effective use of line. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: Note how the formal elements—the figure on the left, the pillar in the center, and the figure on the right—create a dynamic visual rhythm. The use of hatching builds up tone and mass. Editor: Is there a symbolic reading of these lines and juxtapositions? Curator: The diagonal lines suggest movement, while the static vertical lines of the architecture give a sense of order. Consider how these formal choices affect the reading of the image. Editor: It’s fascinating how line alone can suggest so much. Thanks for pointing out that interplay. Curator: My pleasure. Studying the formal organization of the elements in art provides a wealth of information.