Nativity c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous woodcut titled "Nativity." It's densely packed with text and a central image of the nativity scene. The mood feels quite serious and devotional. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This woodcut provides a window into the social and religious climate of its time. The dense text surrounding the image was likely intended to instruct or reinforce specific theological interpretations of the Nativity story. How does the depiction of Mary and the infant Jesus challenge or conform to established power structures? Editor: I hadn't considered it in that way. Curator: Think about the intended audience and how this image would have been received. It’s a fascinating intersection of faith, social norms, and artistic expression. Editor: That definitely gives me a different perspective. Thank you.