Christ Cleanses the Temple c. 15th century

Curator: This bold, anonymous woodcut, "Christ Cleanses the Temple," really jumps out, doesn't it? Editor: It does—the stark black lines give it such a raw, immediate energy. The composition is wonderfully dynamic, all diagonals and thrusting gestures. Curator: Yes, that linearity really emphasizes the symbolic weight of the scene: purification, the struggle against corruption. Note Christ's halo and the expressions on those being driven out. Editor: Indeed, the halo, although simply rendered, clearly signifies divinity, contrasting with the almost caricatured figures fleeing before him. There's a psychological drama playing out here, the righteous fury against the profane. Curator: The artist has distilled the essence of the narrative. It's a potent visual statement about power, belief, and moral authority. Editor: Precisely. The raw aesthetic underscores the gravity of the moment. Something quite powerful about its simplicity.