Jephthah sacrificing his daughter to the lord c. 15th century

Curator: Take a moment to look at "Jephthah sacrificing his daughter to the lord," an unsettling woodcut attributed to an anonymous artist. Editor: It has a somber feel, doesn't it? Stark lines, a very graphic, almost crude depiction—and that blade! Curator: Indeed. It portrays the biblical tale of Jephthah, who vowed to sacrifice whatever came out of his house first if God granted him victory. Sadly, it was his daughter. Editor: What a terrible promise! Visually, I'm struck by how the artist uses the black lines to create such intense drama. The tension is almost palpable. Curator: The stark contrast emphasizes the emotional weight of the story, and the angularity creates a sense of unease. It makes you consider the cost of faith and the complexity of moral choices. Editor: It does. Even with its simplicity, it evokes such a complicated mix of emotions. It's a reminder that art doesn't always have to be pretty to be powerful.