Ch. 7. On the governance of the abbess c. 15th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Ch. 7. On the governance of the abbess" by an anonymous artist, depicts a woman, presumably the abbess, addressing a group of nuns. It feels very formal and a bit austere. What's your take on this, especially considering the limited detail? Curator: It’s interesting, isn't it? The stark lines create a sense of order, reflecting the structured life within the abbey walls. I see a fascinating power dynamic at play. The abbess’ raised hand suggests authority, yet the nuns seem to observe with varying degrees of attention. Do you think the artist intended to convey a specific emotion, or just document a scene? Editor: I wonder if the anonymity adds to the sense of universality, making it less about a specific event and more about the general idea of religious life. It feels like a scene from a play. Curator: Exactly! The lack of a signature allows us to project our own interpretations onto the scene, making it a timeless reflection on faith, governance, and community.