Flagellation c. 15th century

Editor: This is Flagellation, a print by an anonymous artist. It seems to depict a violent scene, but the figures are rendered with such thin lines, it almost feels delicate. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The sparseness amplifies the cultural memory encoded here. Note how the halo, a potent symbol of sanctity, is rendered almost crudely. Its presence juxtaposed against the brutal act reminds us of the complex relationship between power, belief, and violence that permeates history. Editor: So, the image's power comes from its symbols rather than realism? Curator: Precisely. The anonymous nature further emphasizes this, suggesting a collective memory, a shared understanding of the story being told. The image serves as a container for centuries of interpretation. What does it make you consider? Editor: I see how the artist uses cultural shorthand to convey a complex narrative, one I think I'll be studying for a while. Thank you for sharing your insights!