Saint Gonauen c. 16th century

Curator: This woodcut print titled "Saint Gonauen" presents an intriguing intersection of faith, knowledge, and power in the medieval period. The saint is depicted with symbols of learning and piety. What strikes you most about this image? Editor: I'm drawn to the contrast between the detailed figure of the saint and the dense text surrounding him. It feels like there's a tension between the visual and the written word. How might that tension reflect broader societal values at the time? Curator: Precisely! The printing press allowed for the dissemination of knowledge, but religious imagery held immense power. This print asks us to consider how those forms of authority both complemented and challenged one another. The very act of printing and circulating an image of a saint could be seen as a form of democratization of religious authority, no? Editor: That's fascinating. So, this print wasn't just about portraying Saint Gonauen; it was also about questioning who had the right to represent him and how. Thanks for shedding some light on it!