Illustration XC c. 16th century

Editor: This artwork, titled Illustration XC, is an anonymous piece held here at the Harvard Art Museums. It looks like a woodcut or similar printmaking technique, showing a scene with cattle and dogs. What's striking is its somewhat crude, almost folkloric style. What do you make of it? Curator: It's fascinating how such seemingly simple imagery can reflect complex social structures. Notice how the scene depicts both domesticated animals, cattle, and dogs that may be domesticated, but still wild. Who controlled these animals, and to what purpose? Editor: That’s a great point, so how would that connect with the art world at the time? Curator: Prints like these often served didactic purposes, disseminating moral or political messages to a broader audience. Consider how the ownership and control of animals reflected a social hierarchy. Editor: I see, so this isn't just a picture of animals; it's a window into a particular social order. Curator: Exactly! The public role of art wasn't merely aesthetic; it was deeply intertwined with the politics of imagery and power.