Pisces 

Editor: This is an illuminated manuscript page, titled "Pisces," likely from the medieval period, rendered with ink and pencil. The composition strikes me as fascinating. It seems to be an early calendar, and its vibrant colors, especially the fish, draw my eye. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a convergence of faith, time, and artistic expression deeply rooted in the socio-political context of the Middle Ages. The representation of Pisces, the fish, isn't just an astrological symbol. Think about the early Christians who identified themselves with the symbol of the fish to avoid persecution. Editor: That’s interesting! So the fish are acting as a double symbol? Curator: Precisely. And it highlights how the church’s calendar was intimately interwoven with daily life and shaped by religious belief. Now consider the names of female saints listed—Brigid, Valentine (Iuliane) - their inclusion points toward complex narratives about gender and power within religious institutions. Do you think the presence of those names was inconsequential? Editor: I suppose not, it suggests that even within patriarchal structures, women found ways to exert influence. So understanding who had power and visibility then gives us a lot more to understand how their representations played out in art. I never considered that perspective. Thanks! Curator: Precisely! It reveals that even in seemingly simple images, deeper, interconnected layers reflect the political and spiritual climate of their time. Editor: That connection between faith, time, gender, and representation provides a more nuanced appreciation for medieval art.