Saint John beholding the seven golden candlesticks c. 16th century

Curator: Oh, my goodness, that's intense. Holbein's "Saint John beholding the seven golden candlesticks" just hits you, doesn't it? Like a fever dream rendered in ink. Editor: Indeed. This woodcut presents a moment of profound revelation, rooted in the Book of Revelation. Holbein's vision reflects anxieties around the Reformation, positioning Saint John as a dissident against established religious authority. Curator: A dissident, yes, but also utterly floored by what he's seeing! The sheer, radiating presence...it’s almost overwhelming, and Saint John is prostrate and diminutive on the bottom. Editor: The figure’s androgyny further complicates the image, challenging notions of gendered power within religious iconography. Is it a subversion or re-envisioning of established doctrines? Curator: Maybe it's both, a little shake-up and a whole lot of awe. Holbein definitely knew how to leave you pondering. Editor: Absolutely. This is a powerful example of how art becomes a conduit for challenging and reinterpreting cultural and religious norms. It’s a work that invites continued questioning.