Title page: Christ in the Winepress 1596 - 1598

Curator: This is a title page by Zacharias Dolendo, dating from around the turn of the 17th century. The work, "Christ in the Winepress," employs engraving on a copper plate. Editor: It feels so meticulously crafted, yet the central image, that winepress... it's almost claustrophobic, wouldn't you say? Like a beautiful trap. Curator: The winepress imagery would have been well understood in its time, symbolizing Christ's sacrifice. It's a potent metaphor for suffering and redemption, reflecting Reformation-era anxieties and devotional practices. Editor: All that ornate detail framing such raw, brutal imagery creates a fascinating tension. It is as if the artist is wrestling with the unspeakable. Curator: Indeed. The historical context is crucial here. Such images helped to negotiate complex theological ideas within the context of the print market and religious reform. Editor: Ultimately, it's a visceral piece, isn't it? A delicate rendering of a profound, disturbing idea.