Petrus loopt op het water naar Christus 1485 - 1491

Editor: This woodcut, created between 1485 and 1491 by the Master of Antwerp, depicts "Peter Walking on Water to Christ". There’s a wonderful, almost naive, quality to the composition – everything feels very linear and a little bit flat. What do you see in this piece, considering the time it was made? Curator: I see a powerful expression of faith mediated through the printing press. Consider the socio-political context: printed images were becoming more accessible, impacting how religious narratives were disseminated. This woodcut wouldn't have been confined to an elite audience like illuminated manuscripts. How does the dissemination of imagery influence public faith, or even the politics of religious reform, during this time? Editor: That makes me think about how easily interpretable it is. The figures are distinct, the story clear even without text...Was that intentional? Curator: Absolutely. The linear style, the clear depiction of the biblical narrative – it all points to a deliberate attempt to create an easily understandable image for a wider audience. It also makes me wonder about patronage. Was this commissioned by a religious order, or a private individual interested in promoting a particular theological view? Such factors inevitably shaped the visual vocabulary. Editor: It’s amazing to consider how the printing press democratized art and faith! Thanks for your insights! Curator: And thank you! Thinking about how art becomes part of a broader social and religious discourse helps us interpret images beyond their aesthetic value.