Nativity c. 16th century

Editor: This small, anonymous woodcut, "Nativity," presents a familiar scene in such an interesting, blocky way. I'm struck by how the lines create texture and almost a sense of depth despite the print's small size. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I'm drawn to the way the anonymous artist employs the woodcut technique, a relatively accessible and reproducible medium. It suggests this image was likely intended for wide distribution and consumption. Consider the socio-economic context: How does the print's materiality and mode of production speak to its original audience and purpose? Editor: That’s a great point! So, rather than focusing on artistic genius, we can explore this piece as a product of its time. Curator: Exactly. We see art less as an individual expression and more as a reflection of broader cultural and material conditions.