Image preceeding II Timothy 1 c. 15th century

Editor: This anonymous woodcut, "Image preceeding II Timothy 1," features a group of figures. The stark black lines and the way the robes are depicted make me wonder about the printing process. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Let's consider the socio-economic conditions that allowed for its creation. This likely involved skilled laborers, access to wood and tools, and a market for printed materials. How does the medium itself—a relatively reproducible and accessible format—influence the message being conveyed? Editor: So you're saying the act of creating and distributing this image is as important as what's depicted? Curator: Precisely. The materiality of the print, its creation, and its consumption are all intertwined with understanding its significance. Perhaps considering the original location within the book production helps understand its purpose. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: The labor behind this image, now separated from the artist, reveals a lot about its time.