Border with Beheading of S. John the Baptist 1517

Editor: This is Ambrosius Holbein's "Border with Beheading of S. John the Baptist." It looks like an illustration, perhaps for a book? The scene at the bottom is quite gruesome. What can you tell me about its purpose and reception? Curator: The border serves as a frame, a stage even, for the text and the dramatic scene. Consider the socio-political context of the time; printed materials were tools for disseminating ideas, and Holbein’s imagery would have played a role in shaping public opinion and perhaps even challenging authority, especially considering the reference to Thomas More. Editor: So the image isn't just decorative, but potentially part of a larger argument? Curator: Precisely. How do you think images like this would have functioned in relation to the text and its audience? Editor: I see, it's about how the image amplifies the text's message. Curator: Indeed, thinking about art in terms of its public role offers a richer understanding.