Saint James, the Greater c. 16th century

Editor: This is Lucas Cranach the Elder’s "Saint James, the Greater," a very detailed print. There's so much activity depicted; the figure kneeling looks defeated, and the soldiers seem imposing. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: The starkness of the black ink on paper demands attention. Cranach likely used woodcut, a process where the artist carves into wood. The image reflects the historical and social context of printmaking at the time. Editor: How so? Curator: The multiple marks would have allowed Cranach to spread his message widely. This would have made the image affordable to a wider audience. Think about how the mechanics of production impact the work’s cultural role. Editor: That's a great point; I hadn't thought about the broader distribution. Curator: Exactly. Considering the material and its circulation reveals so much.