Saint Lawrence c. 16th century

Curator: This woodcut, titled "Saint Lawrence," depicts the martyr's execution. It's unsigned, so the artist remains anonymous. Editor: It's brutal, but oddly...decorative? All those swirling lines give it a strange energy, like a macabre dance. Curator: The gridiron, Lawrence's instrument of torture, becomes almost ornamental here, doesn't it? A symbol transformed. Editor: Absolutely. It makes me think about how symbols can become detached from their original meaning, acquiring new layers over time. This image, while horrifying, also speaks to resilience. Curator: Yes, the stoicism of Lawrence is a powerful message, conveyed through the iconography of his martyrdom. Editor: Well, now I’m pondering the layers of suffering, faith, and artistic expression all tangled together in this little print. Curator: Indeed. It’s a testament to how powerful images can be, even centuries later.