Saint Martin and the Beggar c. 16th century

Curator: This is Hans Baldung's "Saint Martin and the Beggar." What strikes you first about it? Editor: The immediate impression is one of stark contrast; the clean lines of St. Martin on his horse against the vulnerable, almost skeletal beggar. Curator: Baldung, active in the early 16th century, uses this iconic scene to explore social responsibility. How does the context inform your reading of the image? Editor: The church's role in charity, but also its power dynamics, are visible. St. Martin's act isn't just benevolence; it's a performance of his status. What do you think? Curator: I agree, the very act of charity, even with its virtues, reinforces existing inequalities. The beggar's body becomes a canvas upon which to read narratives of poverty, disease, and marginalization. Editor: This small woodcut packs a powerful punch in illustrating the complexities of giving and receiving, doesn't it? Curator: It certainly provides a lot to unpack, even centuries later.