Illustration XXIX: Samuel annoints Saul to be King of Israel (I Samuel 10) c. 16th century

Curator: This anonymous work, titled "Illustration XXIX: Samuel anoints Saul to be King of Israel," depicts a pivotal moment in biblical history. Editor: There's a starkness to it, isn't there? The heavy lines of the woodcut give it a sense of solemnity. Curator: The act of anointing carries significant weight—it’s a divinely sanctioned transition of power, full of both promise and potential peril. Samuel's gesture sets the stage for Saul's kingship and all its implications. Editor: And look at the details in the clothing—the folds, the hats. They tell me about the economic realities of the time and the artist's focus on the texture of everyday life. You can feel the weight of the labor in each cut. Curator: It's fascinating how the artist uses these visual cues to connect the spiritual narrative to the viewer’s own experience. The imagery is not just about a king being crowned, but about a man accepting his destiny. Editor: Exactly, and the means of creating this image—woodcut—itself connects us to a history of accessible image-making, designed for wide distribution and consumption. Curator: A compelling intersection of divine symbolism and earthly concerns. Editor: Indeed, a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of faith, power, and material existence.