2 Maccabees V c. 16th century

Editor: This is Hans Holbein the Younger's woodcut illustration, "2 Maccabees V." There's something quite haunting about the contrast between the grounded city and the ghostly figures in the clouds. What do you make of this piece? Curator: It's crucial to consider the Reformation context. Holbein's imagery, drawn from religious texts, becomes potent political commentary. The figures in the clouds, perhaps representing divine intervention or judgement, could be interpreted as a critique of earthly power structures. How does this tension resonate with contemporary issues of social justice and power? Editor: That’s a great point. I didn't consider how the religious narrative could reflect societal tensions of the time. Curator: Indeed, art often holds a mirror to its society, reflecting its anxieties and aspirations.