Illustration from Livy. Mainz, Johann Schöffer c. 1514

Curator: Here we have an anonymous illustration from Livy, printed by Johann Schöffer in Mainz. Look at the textures created by the woodcut technique, and the density of the composition. What strikes you most about this image? Editor: The sheer number of figures crammed into the frame is overwhelming. It feels like a chaotic scene of battle, but I'm curious about the context of its production. What can you tell me about the materials used? Curator: This woodcut was likely produced using readily available materials, reflecting a wider accessibility to printed images at the time. The labor involved in carving the block and the printing process democratized image production and consumption. Consider how this contrasts with illuminated manuscripts made for the elite. Editor: So, the choice of materials and technique directly impacted who could access and engage with this image. That's fascinating! I never considered it that way before.