Saint Fausta (fol. LXXXI r) 1497

Editor: This woodcut illustration, "Saint Fausta," seems to be a page from a book, likely from a much later date. The haloed figure is quite stylized, set against a rudimentary landscape. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, it's fascinating how this image participates in a visual culture meant to reinforce religious and social norms. This Saint Fausta embodies female piety as constructed within a patriarchal society. Notice how the setting domesticates the sacred. Editor: The landscape seems so simple. Curator: Exactly! It's not about realistic representation but about creating a relatable scene. The art serves a didactic purpose, guiding the viewer toward prescribed ideals of womanhood and faith. How might this image function within the book it comes from? Editor: I never considered it as a form of instruction. Thanks, I'll look at these kinds of images differently from now on.