Illustration from Brant, Navis Stultifera c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an anonymous illustration from Brant's *Navis Stultifera*, a work made to caution against the pitfalls of deceptive women. Editor: It’s a striking image, almost dreamlike, with this woman leading livestock... It feels like a dark fairytale. Curator: Indeed. The woodcut technique creates sharp contrasts, emphasizing the allegorical nature of the scene. Note the border details versus the main figure. Editor: Yes, the ornamental border feels at odds with the starkness of the figures. It draws you in, then unsettles you. Is that a bird? And what’s with all the sheep? Curator: The bird represents deceit, and the sheep likely symbolize foolish followers being led astray. Editor: Ah, so the woman is a shepherdess of sorts, but for fools. A dark commentary. I’m left with this unsettling feeling of being warned... or maybe even seduced. Curator: The power of the printed image to warn, to persuade – it’s a powerful force even today. Editor: Absolutely. It’s a reminder of how art can hold a mirror up to society, even the parts we'd rather not see.