Illustration III c. 1550

Curator: This anonymous work, held at the Harvard Art Museums, is called "Illustration III." Editor: The stark black and white feels so immediate, almost journalistic, despite depicting such a momentous event. Curator: The scene shows the Annunciation, when the Angel Gabriel appears to Mary. See how the dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, descends upon her? Editor: And the linear quality—it really underscores the labor-intensive process of woodcutting, where each line requires careful carving. How accessible would something like this have been? Curator: These images would have circulated widely, carrying the weight of religious doctrine and shaping collective understanding. Editor: The flowers in the vase are a nice touch, connecting divinity and domesticity. It speaks to me of the sacred in the everyday. Curator: It's truly remarkable how the artist uses such simple forms to convey such powerful cultural narratives. Editor: Yes, the constraints of the medium paradoxically amplify the message. I’m left pondering the skill involved and the audience it served.