The White King's Skill in Shooting from a Horse c. 1514

Editor: This woodcut, "The White King's Skill in Shooting from a Horse," by Leonhard Beck, really captures a sense of precision and skill. What symbols stand out to you in this composition? Curator: Consider the bow and arrow: weapons, yes, but also symbols of focus, intent, and even divine intervention across cultures. What about the horse, Editor? What does it evoke? Editor: Speed, freedom, nobility, maybe? Curator: Precisely. And the bird takes on a layered symbolism, representing spirit, but also perhaps vulnerability in this context. The King displays his dominion over nature, literally shooting down the spirit. Editor: I hadn't considered how the bird related to the King's power. Thanks! Curator: These symbols, when viewed collectively, provide an interesting insight into the culture and power dynamics of the time.