Brother of the Order Pierced through the Heart c. 15th century

Curator: Oh, this early print, “Brother of the Order Pierced through the Heart,” is fascinating! It's so raw and immediate, like a spiritual comic strip. What do you make of it? Editor: Well, it's, uh, intense! The monk’s expression is really striking, and the title is certainly descriptive. What exactly was the cultural context for something like this? Curator: These images were devotional aids, meant to trigger empathy, to bring the viewer closer to religious experience. Note how the text and image work together to amplify the message. Editor: So, it's like a visual sermon? A bit gruesome, but I see how it could be a powerful tool for reflection. Curator: Exactly! And the roughness of the woodcut only adds to that feeling of immediate, visceral connection. It's a punch to the gut, spiritually speaking. Editor: It's amazing how much feeling comes through in such a simple image. I'll definitely look at these kinds of prints differently now.