2 Kings XXIII c. 16th century

Curator: This is Hans Holbein the Younger's woodcut illustration, titled "2 Kings XXIII," currently residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me immediately as a scene of stark contrasts, both literally in the black and white medium, and figuratively with the king and the burning pyre. Curator: Holbein was a master of capturing social and political undercurrents. The presence of the fire suggests a purification or destruction of idols, referencing King Josiah's reforms. Editor: The woodcut medium itself is significant. Its accessibility made it ideal for disseminating Reformation ideas widely, engaging a broader public in religious and political discourse. Curator: And considering the labor involved in carving the block, each print represents a tangible connection to the artist and the socio-political context from which it emerged. Editor: Indeed. Seeing this small work, one better appreciates how art played a critical role in shaping public opinion during times of great religious upheaval.