King Solomon at the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have an intriguing woodcut print titled, King Solomon at the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, made by an anonymous artist. Editor: It's stark! The high contrast and simplified forms really drive home the violence despite the small scale. Curator: Notice how the artist uses repetitive vertical lines to create a sense of depth and volume, especially in the drapery and architectural elements. Editor: But it's more than just form. Solomon, often seen as wise, is here associated with a brutal execution. Is it a commentary on power, perhaps? Curator: It presents an interesting structural paradox, juxtaposing Solomon's legendary sagacity with this act of barbarity. Editor: So, the symbols point to a crisis of leadership, how authority can be corrupted into injustice and cruelty. Curator: The graphic nature of the woodcut medium truly amplifies the drama inherent in the composition. Editor: A sobering look at a complex story, told with remarkable visual economy.