The Binding of Achior; Adah and Zillah tormenting Lamech; verso: Job scourged by the devil's whip and his wife's words c. 15th century

Curator: Here we have a fascinating work—a page depicting scenes from the Bible. "The Binding of Achior; Adah and Zillah tormenting Lamech; verso: Job scourged by the devil's whip and his wife's words." It's by an anonymous artist. Editor: It’s stark, isn’t it? All those lines, that angularity. It feels like a woodcut brought to life, with all the angst carved right in. Curator: Indeed. The composition uses a series of registers to present these narratives, each framed within a tight rectangle. Editor: Makes you wonder about the intent, doesn't it? The artist isn't just telling stories; they’re framing accusations, making sure we see these biblical figures in a certain light. That Lamech scene looks particularly brutal! Curator: The medium itself is key, lending itself to the graphic quality—that very intensity you're noting. Editor: It's certainly left its mark. The figures’ expressions are so powerful, even in their simplicity. A real punch to the gut. Curator: Absolutely. And the use of text surrounding the illustrations provides context and further frames the visual narrative. Editor: I'll be thinking about those faces long after I leave. It really throws those age-old stories into sharp relief.