Moses and Aaron before Pharoah 15th-16th century

Editor: This is a woodcut depicting Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh. Its date and artist are unknown, but it's part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. It looks like a stage play. What do you notice about how the artist chose to represent this scene? Curator: It’s interesting how the artist, despite remaining anonymous, depicts power dynamics. Look at Pharaoh enthroned, elevated, visually set apart from Moses and Aaron. How does this imagery reinforce or challenge our understanding of this historical encounter? Editor: So, it's not just about the biblical story itself, but also how the artist interprets and presents power through the visual language of their time? Curator: Precisely! Think about how this image might have been used and perceived in its original context, maybe as political commentary. It’s a powerful demonstration of how art can reflect and shape societal views. Editor: I hadn't considered the political context. Now I see it’s more than just a Bible story, but a statement about power. Curator: Indeed. Art serves as a historical lens through which we see not just the subject matter but also the values of the society that produced it.