Saint Lupus c. 15th century

Editor: Here we have an intriguing woodcut print called "Saint Lupus" by an anonymous artist. It looks like a king and a bishop in conversation. What do you notice about the means of production? Curator: This piece highlights the socioeconomic aspects of art production during that period. Notice the starkness of the lines, typical of woodcuts—a relatively accessible printing method. This accessibility suggests a wider audience and questions the elite status often associated with art. The labor involved in carving the woodblock itself is also important to consider. Editor: So, the choice of material says something about the intended audience? Curator: Precisely. It speaks to the distribution and consumption of imagery within a specific social context, moving away from unique, expensive artworks towards a more democratic dissemination of information. Editor: I never thought about the labor involved in making a print! Curator: Considering the material and process opens a new lens on understanding art's social function.