Illustration III 15th-16th century

Editor: This is *Illustration III*, by an anonymous artist, housed here at Harvard. The stark black and white of the woodcut gives it a kind of severe feeling, almost… judgmental. What’s your take on this piece? Curator: Well, the text above translates to "Here stands the apostate nun." It’s a pretty clear condemnation, isn’t it? Look at the bold lines, almost trapping her. What do you think she's looking at? Editor: Maybe she’s looking for forgiveness, or maybe she’s defiantly rejecting whatever’s inside that doorway. I hadn’t thought of the lines as trapping her, though! Curator: It’s fascinating how those lines can shift meaning, isn’t it? It speaks volumes about how art can evoke such different interpretations.