Maurus exorcising demons from the workmen; The King of France came to see the Monastery Florius had built c. 15th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Maurus exorcising demons from the workmen," shows what appears to be Saint Maurus performing an exorcism. The image is quite small, and the figures are rendered in a rather simplistic style. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: I'm drawn to the production and labor involved. Look at the repetitive marks of the woodcut, the almost mechanical process of image creation. It democratizes the image; multiple impressions could be made and consumed. Editor: So, you're saying its value lies not just in the image, but in its accessibility and the means of its creation? Curator: Precisely! It challenges the notion of the unique, precious artwork. It invites us to consider who had access to this image, and how that access shaped their beliefs and understanding. Editor: That’s a completely different lens than I was expecting. I’ll certainly think about art in this way from now on.