Christ Before Pilate c. 15th century

Curator: This small, anonymous work from the Harvard Art Museums is titled "Christ Before Pilate." It’s an intriguing image. Editor: It feels like a stage play in miniature, all tension and exaggerated gestures. The colors, though faded, still carry a certain weight. Curator: Absolutely! The artist uses color to emphasize the drama. Pilate, in his red robes, embodies earthly power, while Christ, almost pale, stands for a different kind of authority. Editor: And the faces! Each one seems to represent a specific emotion, almost like stock characters. You can practically hear the crowd's whispers and judgements. Curator: Exactly, and the woodcut technique itself adds to this sense of starkness. The lines are so defined, almost cutting. It adds to the emotional intensity, don't you think? Editor: I do. It's like a visual echo of the biblical narrative, forcing us to confront this pivotal moment. It leaves you pondering the nature of justice and sacrifice. Curator: Yes, a small picture, but with big ideas.