David and Michal; verso: Parable of the Lost Coin c. 15th century

Curator: This anonymous woodcut, "David and Michal," presents a compelling visual narrative. What strikes you most about it? Editor: Well, it feels rather…stark. The figures are quite rigid, and there's a definite sense of tension in the composition, especially with the way David seems to be pulling Michal away. Curator: Indeed. Consider the broader context: the power dynamics between men and women, particularly within religious and royal structures of the time. How might this influence your interpretation of David’s action? Editor: So, you're suggesting it's not just a personal dispute, but a reflection of societal expectations and control? Curator: Precisely. Michal's agency, or lack thereof, is central. What does it tell us about how women’s bodies and choices were perceived and controlled? This woodcut forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about gender and power. Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t fully considered. It definitely changes how I see the piece and its message.