Illustration XXXVII: Saul inquires of Abner the identity of the youth David who overcomes the great Goliath (I Samuel 17). c. 16th century

Editor: This anonymous woodcut, "Illustration XXXVII: Saul inquires of Abner the identity of the youth David…," has such a simple, storybook feel. I'm curious, what strikes you most about this image from a historical perspective? Curator: It's fascinating how this print makes accessible the biblical narrative of David and Goliath. These kinds of readily available images allowed for the wider dissemination and interpretation of religious stories to an increasingly literate public. Editor: So, its value lies in the way it democratized the story? Curator: Precisely. The crude style speaks to its widespread distribution and use, acting as a visual aid for understanding religious texts. Editor: I see. It’s interesting to consider its function beyond just art. Curator: Exactly. It's a reminder of the powerful role of art in shaping cultural and religious understanding.