Ch. 62. Of Serenading at Night c. 15th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Ch. 62. Of Serenading at Night," is by an anonymous artist. The blocky carving has a medieval feel, but I'm curious about the context of its production. What can you tell me about the material conditions that shaped this image? Curator: I see a fascinating interplay between production and reception. The woodcut itself, likely reproduced en masse, speaks to a rising culture of accessible imagery. Consider the labor involved in carving the block versus the relative ease of printing. Editor: So, the means of production democratized image making? Curator: To a degree, yes. And the subject matter – a boisterous serenade, possibly verging on disruptive behavior – hints at changing social mores and the consumption of leisure. What do you make of the tension between high and low culture represented here? Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way, but seeing it now, the print's very existence challenges the traditional art hierarchy. Thanks, that's really helpful! Curator: Absolutely. Thinking about art through the lens of its making and social use opens up so many new avenues for understanding.