Das ist der Spiegel der menschen behaltnis mit den evangelien und mit epistelen nach der zyt des iars 1479 - 1481

This woodcut, printed by Peter Drach the Younger around the late 15th century, visualizes a biblical scene and reflects the cultural values of its time. Produced during a period of religious reform and increasing literacy, the print attempts to reflect society. We see King Solomon on his throne with three men approaching him. They carry gifts of water and kneel at his feet, symbolizing servitude. The style in which it is rendered reveals a society structured by distinct social hierarchies, further reinforced by both text and image. The choice to depict this story through the relatively new medium of print indicates an attempt to widely disseminate these values. As we consider this work, we might think about how representations like these shape our understanding of authority, obedience, and the stories we choose to tell about ourselves.