Joan II of Anjou (fol. CXXXX v) 1497

Curator: This is an image of "Joan II of Anjou" from an unknown artist. Editor: I'm struck by how the figure is portrayed. There's an interesting blend of strength and vulnerability in her expression. Curator: It’s compelling, isn’t it? Remember, as an anonymous work, its meaning shifts depending on the viewer and the socio-political context in which it's viewed. How does this image function within the broader narrative of powerful women? Editor: Considering the time, the depiction is a bold statement. Her armor and spear are juxtaposed with a feminine presentation. It speaks volumes about societal expectations and challenges to patriarchal norms. Curator: Exactly! And situating this portrait in the Harvard Art Museums makes us ponder the museum's role in shaping narratives of identity and power. Editor: Analyzing it together makes me appreciate the dialogue between art history and contemporary theory! Curator: It highlights how art can embody complex socio-political struggles.