Balak and Balaam on Mt. Pisgah 16th-17th century

Curator: Here we have "Balak and Balaam on Mt. Pisgah," an engraving by Johann Sadeler I, who lived from 1550 to 1601. Editor: It feels so theatrical, doesn't it? Like a stage set with all these tiny figures spread across the landscape. Curator: It's interesting how Sadeler visualizes power here, with Balak, the king, and Balaam, the diviner, positioned high above, seemingly dictating the fate of the Israelites below. This reflects the political and religious anxieties of the time. Editor: Right, the drama of authority playing out against the backdrop of a vulnerable population. All those tents! It gives you a sense of impending doom. Curator: Precisely, and the ritualistic elements—the altar, the offerings—underscore the precariousness of their situation. It speaks to broader narratives of marginalization and the abuse of power, so resonant throughout history. Editor: You're so right. Seeing it framed like this makes me think about the stories we tell ourselves about who has power and who doesn't, and who gets to decide. I see it with fresh eyes now, thanks to you.