Saint Luke c. 16th century

Curator: Oh, look at this. It’s a small, anonymous print of Saint Luke. Something about the way he's composing his gospel is so very human here, don't you think? Editor: Intimate, yes. Almost domestic. Look at that winged ox, his symbol. It's not some fearsome beast, but a rather cuddly creature, passively watching the act of creation. The image evokes a quiet dedication, but who does it serve? Curator: Well, it certainly speaks to the idea of divine inspiration, right? Luke pens his gospel, guided, perhaps, by his symbol, an ancient sacrificial animal here transformed into a gentle muse. The artist emphasizes the intimate connection between the human and the divine. Editor: I see, instead, how the artist positions Luke in relation to power. The religious institution as the arbiter of history, silencing the voices of ordinary people. The ox domesticated, the gospel codified, history written by the victors. Curator: I suppose it depends on how you interpret the ox's gaze. For me, it's a look of gentle encouragement. Editor: Maybe. But I'm less convinced by these symbols, and more focused on power structures and suppressed narratives. Curator: Well, that’s something to reflect on. Editor: Indeed. I am going to dwell on this.