Small Head of the Executioner c. 1660

Editor: This is "Small Head of the Executioner" by Ruprecht von der Pfalz. I’m struck by how the artist captured such intensity in this small print. What's your interpretation of this work? Curator: I see a study in power dynamics. Consider the historical context; Ruprecht was a Duke, yet he’s depicting a figure typically marginalized, an executioner. Is he trying to understand the role of the state in sanctioned violence? Editor: That's a fascinating point. I hadn't considered the artist's own position influencing the work in that way. Curator: It challenges us to think about who gets to wield power, and at what cost, both then and now. Editor: Thanks, I learned a lot! Curator: Me too.