Holy Cross of Luca c. 16th century

Editor: This is the Holy Cross of Luca, an anonymous woodcut. It's text-heavy, with an image showing a figure kneeling before a robed man on a cross. It feels very solemn and medieval. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Beyond its obvious religious symbolism, I see a commentary on power, faith, and the social hierarchy of the time. Who benefits from the representation of religious events and beliefs? How does an image like this enforce certain doctrines? Editor: So, it’s not just about religious devotion, but also about power dynamics? Curator: Precisely. It’s about whose story is being told, and why. Consider the historical context—who controlled the narrative, and how did visual culture reinforce their authority? Editor: I never thought of it that way. It gives the image a completely different dimension. Curator: Exactly. By engaging with history and theory, we can dissect the complex layers of meaning embedded within such artworks.