Illustration LXVI: The 20th figure: the angel who holds the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain binds Satan in the bottomless pit for a thousand years (Revelation 20: 1-3). c. 16th century

Editor: This illustration, artist unknown, depicts a scene from Revelation: an angel chaining Satan. The stark contrast of the lines creates an intense and unsettling mood. What historical context informs this portrayal of power and constraint? Curator: It's crucial to see this image within a history of oppression and resistance. Consider the religious wars and social hierarchies of the time; who held the keys, both literally and figuratively? How does this image reflect and perpetuate power dynamics? Editor: So, it’s not just about good versus evil, but also about societal control? Curator: Precisely. Early interpretations of the Bible informed social ideas about race, gender, and class. Reflect on how these visual narratives have historically been used to justify inequity, and how we might re-interpret them today. Editor: That gives me a lot to consider about how images shape our understanding of authority and liberation. Curator: Indeed. Let's explore these connections further in other artworks.