Ruth II c. 16th century

Curator: Here we see "Ruth II," a woodcut by Hans Holbein the Younger. It resides in the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: The stark contrast immediately grabs me, like a medieval comic panel. The figures are so active within this dense field. Curator: Indeed. Holbein’s woodcuts were meant for a broader audience, used in printed books. Note how the linear style translates to easy reproduction, a democratization of imagery. Editor: The tools on display tell the story. Look at the labor—the reaping hooks, the stooped posture of the workers—it emphasizes the physical demands of harvest. Curator: The image tells a story of the vulnerable in society. It echoes biblical themes of charity and the rights of the poor. Editor: It is a fascinating example of how material limitations shaped artistic choices, bringing religious narratives to a wider populace. Curator: Thinking about the audience and context enriches our understanding of its purpose. Editor: Agreed, and the simplicity of its means helps us appreciate the message even more.