Saint Margaret 1480 - 1490

Editor: So here we have "Saint Margaret," a print using watercolor and colored pencil from somewhere around 1480 to 1490. What strikes me immediately is the miniature scale and vibrant color, it feels both delicate and powerful. The Saint just casually holds the cross while standing on a defeated dragon. What do you make of it? Curator: Ah, Saint Margaret! To me, it whispers tales of courage, doesn't it? Imagine a time when dragons weren't the lovable rogues of children's books, but representations of the darkest fears. She literally treads on fear, armed with her faith. Editor: It's funny to think that dragons were once that scary! Do you think this piece was meant to be encouraging or a bit preachy, even? Curator: Preachy, maybe. But mostly I feel it’s encouragement, dressed up with a story! She looks pretty unfazed about that dragon too, it really makes you wonder about the strength it suggests, about overcoming adversity even when life looks...scaly! Editor: Definitely makes me rethink medieval art beyond tapestries and grand portraits. This feels so intimate. Curator: Exactly! And it proves that sometimes the smallest artworks pack the biggest symbolic punch. What a story she carries within this tiny frame! Editor: I will look at miniature artwork very differently moving forward, thinking about storytelling and courage. Curator: As will I! And you've made me think that dragons deserve a little more credit for their symbollic evolution, perhaps they merely need a hug.