Cain Killing Abel, Illustration from Bergomensis, Jacob Philipp, Supplementum Chronicarum. Venice, B. Rizius, 1488 (?) c. 15th century

Curator: This woodcut illustration, "Cain Killing Abel," comes from Jacob Philipp Bergomensis's "Supplementum Chronicarum," printed in Venice around 1488. Editor: The stark black and white amplifies the scene's brutal simplicity. It's a direct, almost clinical depiction of fratricide. Curator: Indeed, the image is rich in symbolic echoes. Notice how God appears above, seemingly removed from the earthly violence unfolding below. The offerings in the upper left contrast sharply with the death scene. Editor: It's fascinating how the anonymous artist connects the biblical narrative to the social anxieties of the late 15th century, reflecting on themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of sin. Curator: It reminds us that symbols are never neutral; they shape our understanding and reinforce narratives, even across centuries. Editor: Absolutely. This image serves as a chilling reminder of how narratives, even those rooted in faith, can be used to justify violence and division.