Mass of St. Gregory c. 16th century

Curator: Isn't this anonymous woodcut, "Mass of St. Gregory," hauntingly beautiful? I'm particularly drawn to the texture, that slightly rough, handmade feel. Editor: Absolutely. And I see a powerful commentary on the Church’s role in medieval society. The hierarchy is so clearly defined, God enthroned above, the clergy mediating, and the supplicants below. Curator: Yes, the artist really captures that sense of divine order. It's like a visual echo of the prayers printed beneath the image. Editor: Exactly. The Latin text speaks of liberation from sin, a promise made potent by the depicted social structure. This is about power as much as it is about faith. Who had access to salvation and on what terms? Curator: Mmm, it does make you wonder about who this image was really for, who was it speaking to. Editor: Exactly, and how that affected the lives of those outside the frame. Curator: You’ve given me a lot to think about. Editor: As have you! It's in these dialogues we find new meanings, hidden for centuries.