Piece 15th-16th century

Editor: This anonymous "Piece" from the Harvard Art Museums is intriguing. It looks like a woodcut, given the bold lines. What stands out to me is how ornate it is, like a decorative element for printing. What do you see in it? Curator: I see a direct link to the labor and materials of book production. This wasn't meant to be high art; it was functional, a commodity made through skilled labor for a specific purpose. How does its original context affect our understanding of its value today? Editor: That's a fascinating point. So, its worth lies not just in aesthetics, but in its historical role in the material culture of printing and consumption? Curator: Precisely. Examining its production reveals a whole network of artisans, publishers, and consumers, broadening our view of artistic creation.