Ch. 65. Of Attention to the Stars c. 15th century

Curator: This anonymous print, titled "Ch. 65. Of Attention to the Stars," presents a fascinating glimpse into early attitudes towards astrology. Editor: My immediate impression is how graphic and bold it is. The thick lines of the woodcut really stand out against the page. What sort of paper are we looking at? Curator: Given the printing methods of the time, likely a handmade paper, perhaps linen-based. But more importantly, notice how the figures point skyward, engaging with the celestial bodies – a sun, moon, and stars filled with symbolic meaning. Editor: Meaning shaped by materials and the printing process, of course. The availability and cost of paper and ink impacted the image’s reach, and the labor of the printing process, too. This accessible medium allowed the imagery to circulate. Curator: Indeed. The print reflects a societal concern about the vanity of astrology, warning against seeking future knowledge in the stars, knowledge that belongs only to God. Editor: Considering the social climate, this critique likely served multiple purposes, from reinforcing religious doctrine to questioning established norms. Curator: Exactly. A small piece of paper reflecting a cosmos of beliefs and anxieties. Editor: It truly shows how material objects are testaments to the culture and society they emerged from.