Saint Valentine 1470 - 1480

This hand-colored woodcut titled “Saint Valentine” presents us with a complex narrative steeped in religious and social symbolism. Made by an anonymous artist, this piece offers insight into the cultural values of its time, particularly the significance of saints within the Christian faith and the roles of gender. The depiction of Saint Valentine, adorned in bishop's regalia, focuses our attention on the power structures of the church, while the presence of supplicants hints at the saint's role as an intercessor. The figures surrounding the saint, including the central woman, invite contemplation on themes of healing, redemption, and devotion. How do you think that the artist challenges or reinforces the conventional depictions of gender and power through the piece? There is something deeply human about the desire for divine intervention in our lives, and this artwork encapsulates that longing, inviting viewers to reflect on their own beliefs, values, and connections to something greater than themselves.