Tail-piece c. 16th century

Curator: This is a small print called "Tail-piece," an anonymous work held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought? Mischief! Those little winged demons flanking that urn are delightfully wicked. Curator: Indeed! They are rather impish, wouldn't you agree? Think of the symbolism! The urn, often a symbol of mourning or memory, paired with these creatures... what comes to mind? Editor: Well, that even in remembrance, there's always a bit of playful chaos lurking. Maybe a reminder that life, even after loss, has its unexpected twists. Curator: Or perhaps the enduring presence of trickster figures in our collective psyche. They remind us that established order can be disrupted, even subverted. Editor: Hmm, I was seeing something slightly more...personal, almost comforting. But you're right. It's more complex than it appears. Curator: Exactly! It's a beautiful, miniature distillation of universal themes. Editor: A tiny, intriguing reminder of our complex human nature. I like that.