Giving Drink to the Thirsty c. 1571

Editor: This plate, "Giving Drink to the Thirsty," by Pieter Nagel, depicts a biblical scene. The composition feels very theatrical, almost like a stage. What is the social commentary here? Curator: It’s interesting that you see a theatrical quality. Nagel is engaging with the public role of religious imagery, particularly how charity was visualized and understood in his time. Editor: So, it’s less about pure religious devotion and more about public performance? Curator: Exactly! Consider how the figures are arranged, almost as if to be witnessed performing these acts. It asks us to think about the politics embedded in such acts of giving. What do you think about that? Editor: It makes me think about the power dynamics at play, like who gets to be the giver and who the receiver, even today. Curator: Precisely. Nagel's work encourages a deeper look into the social and political messages behind acts of charity.