Two monks observing a sunken ship c. 15th century

Editor: This artwork at the Harvard Art Museums is called "Two Monks Observing a Sunken Ship" by an anonymous artist. The scenes are so small but impactful. I feel a sense of mystery and contemplation when I look at it. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It whispers to me of monastic life and the weight of judgment, doesn't it? The sunken ship – perhaps a metaphor for life's unexpected failures or the soul's potential shipwreck. The monks seem to be in a state of self reflection. Editor: That's a really interesting point! I hadn’t considered that. Curator: It makes you wonder about our own "sunken ships," doesn’t it? Editor: It definitely does. Thanks for sharing your perspective!