Continuation of the Ceremony in the Temple of Venus (fol. o vii recto) 1499

Curator: This is "Continuation of the Ceremony in the Temple of Venus," a captivating piece residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's crafted by an anonymous artist and measures about 14 by 11.5 centimeters. Editor: My first thought? It feels like a stage set. Everything is so carefully arranged, and the figures are almost frozen in place. Curator: The linear quality and precise detail suggest a print, maybe a woodcut or engraving. Notice the architectural elements—the columns and pediment—that frame the ritual scene. Editor: Yes, and the stark black and white creates a sense of dramatic contrast. But what I'm drawn to is the feeling of solemnity, of something deeply important unfolding. It has a timeless quality. Curator: The artist captured a sense of ritualistic wonder, and the anonymous artist has ensured that the image remains captivating! Editor: Precisely. It invites us to reflect on the sacred rituals and stories we tell ourselves.