Book XXIII.31. Prodigies: A cow at Sinuessa gives forth a foal, statues in the Temple of Juno Sospita at Livinium sweat blood, a shower of stones fell around the same temple {Tertiae Decadis Liber Tertius p. CXVIII} 1493

Editor: This woodcut, "Book XXIII.31. Prodigies," is by an anonymous artist. It’s rather strange, with the cow giving birth and the priest. What's your take on the combination of these elements? Curator: It's a fascinating window into a world steeped in omens! The artist captures the Roman fascination with the divine speaking through the unusual. The juxtaposition of the natural world, with the birthing cow, and the human response, with the priest and offering, speaks volumes, doesn’t it? Are we looking at fear? Awe? Perhaps a bit of both? Editor: I guess so. It’s definitely thought-provoking! Curator: Exactly! It makes you wonder about their daily lives and how they viewed the world, doesn't it?