Psalter of Melisende c. 12th century

Editor: Here we have an ivory panel, the Psalter of Melisende, by an unknown artist. It's quite small, but the figure is so commanding. What can you tell me about the context surrounding a piece like this? Curator: Given its likely origin within a royal workshop, its creation suggests that art and faith were tools of power, used to legitimize the ruling class and visually communicate their divine right. What statements do you think it makes about authority and piety? Editor: I guess it's like saying, "We're chosen," through impressive craftsmanship and religious imagery. So art was a political instrument. I hadn't thought of it that way. Curator: Precisely. It's a reminder that even devotional art can be deeply intertwined with societal power structures. The imagery served as a public declaration. Editor: It gives me a lot to think about in terms of the public function of art. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Consider how current art continues to reflect and shape our own societal values and power dynamics.