Gen. XXII c. 16th century

Curator: This woodcut, titled "Gen. XXII" by Hans Holbein the Younger, immediately strikes me with its stark emotional power. Editor: Indeed. The tension in Abraham’s posture, sword raised, is palpable, but his averted gaze hints at inner conflict. It is a study in obedience versus compassion. Curator: The visual symbolism here is fascinating. Notice the ram caught in the thicket – a clear prefiguration of Christ’s sacrifice, a substitution to fulfill divine will. Editor: And Holbein’s choice of the woodcut medium is key. Its graphic nature emphasizes the drama, making it accessible for broad dissemination and reinforcing religious ideologies of the time. Curator: It’s also important to consider the role of the angel, intervening just in time. The composition is dynamic, drawing the viewer's eye from Abraham to Isaac to the divine intervention. Editor: This artwork really encapsulates the religious and social structures that informed Holbein’s work. Curator: Absolutely, and the enduring power of symbols to convey complex narratives.