Saint Fabanus c. 16th century

Curator: Here we have an anonymous woodcut titled "Saint Fabanus." Editor: My first impression? Dark. Stark. There's a real sense of drama and violence in these contrasting blocks of black and white. Curator: It’s striking, isn't it? The material itself, the wood, would have influenced the kinds of marks the artist could make. We see that in the thick lines defining the figures and the cross-hatching that creates depth. Editor: And those figures! Look at the power dynamics on display: a king kneeling, about to be beheaded. The piece screams of power, religion, and the cost of dissent, especially within the context of the Church. I wonder, what’s the story behind Saint Fabanus? Curator: Fabanus was an early pope, martyred, as depicted here. The woodcut, likely produced for wider distribution, uses bold imagery to tell his story and reinforce the power of the Church. The means of production allowed this narrative to reach a broad audience. Editor: It’s fascinating how the artist uses such a graphic style to convey a complex history, touching on faith, authority, and resistance. Curator: Indeed, a powerful testament to the intersection of belief, craft, and social narrative. Editor: A stark reminder of the past’s enduring presence.