Border with Hercules and Orpheus c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Holbein the Younger's "Border with Hercules and Orpheus." The ink is so crisp, and the figures in the border seem to be bursting with energy! What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Holbein’s borders, often commissioned by Reformation leaders like Luther, weren’t just decorative. Note how the figures of classical mythology are interwoven with the text. How might we interpret the presence of Hercules and Orpheus in relation to Luther's writing, especially given the Reformation's challenge to established authority? Editor: So, the classical figures aren't just aesthetic choices, but a statement? Curator: Exactly. They're part of a broader intellectual and political movement that sought to re-evaluate traditional power structures, using classical thought as a tool. It's a powerful example of art serving as a vehicle for social commentary. Editor: That really changes how I see the piece. It is not just decoration; it's a whole manifesto!