Illustration XXXV c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have Illustration XXXV, an anonymous work currently held in the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It strikes me as a rather melancholic scene, this lone figure with their sheep in a sparse landscape. The stark black lines amplify a feeling of isolation. Curator: Indeed. The image evokes the visual style of early printed books, offering insight into the dissemination of knowledge and imagery within particular social strata. Editor: The inclusion of water, though, adds a layer of complexity. Water is often associated with cleansing, rebirth, or the unconscious; what role might that play here? Curator: Water can signify trade routes and networks of global exchange and control, which also deserves consideration. Editor: That's so true. Viewing it with an eye towards our present circumstances—this work prompts questions about the complex ways we move within our current systems. Curator: It seems we've both brought unique perspectives to this anonymous illustration. Editor: Agreed, each enriching the other’s understanding.