Adoration of the Magi c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an anonymous print, titled "Adoration of the Magi," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by how much the cross-hatching lends the piece a sense of movement, despite the static scene. Curator: The composition presents the traditional biblical narrative, but prints like these also circulated widely, shaping popular devotion and piety. Editor: Absolutely. And it is important to consider how the act of printing religious imagery can also be seen as a form of cultural empowerment, providing broader access to sacred narratives. Curator: Indeed, disseminating these images through print culture meant they entered homes, influencing the understanding of religious narratives. Editor: Ultimately, this image represents not only a moment in religious history, but also a moment in social history. Curator: A vital distinction. Editor: One that encourages us to view art as active participants in shaping thought.