Genesis 48: Joseph visits his father who adopts his 2 sons Manasses and Ephraim 15th-16th century

Editor: This woodcut, "Genesis 48: Joseph visits his father who adopts his 2 sons Manasses and Ephraim," is by an anonymous artist and depicts a biblical scene. The stark lines create a solemn mood. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It speaks volumes about power dynamics, doesn't it? The patriarchal blessing being bestowed here reinforces a specific lineage and social order. How does the act of adoption, within this religious context, challenge or reaffirm notions of belonging and identity? Editor: I hadn't thought about it in terms of challenging belonging. Curator: Consider how these images were used, who had access to them, and whose stories were centered. That's where the real conversation begins. Editor: That's a powerful way to contextualize this. I see so many layers I hadn't considered before.