Saint Bridget c. 1480 - 1500

This is an anonymous woodcut print of Saint Bridget. Here, the composition presents a hierarchy of sacred and secular elements. Note how the woodcut technique—with its bold lines and simplified forms—creates a visually striking contrast between the saint's serene, haloed figure and the symbols of earthly power at her feet: a discarded crown and heraldic shield. The angels above, rendered in softer tones, appear as visions, in contrast to Bridget’s solid, grounded presence. This contrast isn’t merely decorative; it articulates a philosophical tension. The material world, signified by the discarded emblems of status, is rendered as transient and ultimately inconsequential compared to the spiritual realm. The act of writing, central to Bridget’s image, becomes a way to destabilize traditional power structures by prioritizing divine knowledge over earthly dominion. Notice the stark geometry of the lines, and the restricted palette directs our reading towards an opposition: the sacred versus the secular. This piece invites continuous dialogue about the interplay between belief, power, and representation.