Bishop Preaching c. 16th century

Editor: This woodcut print, *Bishop Preaching,* by an anonymous artist, depicts a bishop addressing a crowd. The strong contrast between black and white gives it a stark, dramatic feel. What compositional elements stand out to you? Curator: Note how the architectural structure and the positioning of figures form a distinct hierarchy. The linearity of the lines and their arrangement create a deliberate contrast between the bishop, elevated and delineated with stronger contours, and the clustered audience. Observe the symbolic halo, a form indicating spiritual authority. This all points to a carefully structured visual argument about power and reverence. Editor: That’s fascinating. So, the formal elements really emphasize the bishop's authority. Curator: Precisely. The medium itself, the stark woodcut, reinforces the directness and purpose of the message being conveyed. The variations in line thickness and the deliberate use of empty space contribute to the image's overall impact. Hopefully you’ve learned to think more formally about art. Editor: I have! Thanks so much.