Illustration LII: the 13th figure: A beast with 7 heads and 10 horns rises out of the sea. Another beast with 2 horns comes up out of the earth and forces the world to worship the first beast and bear the mark of the beast (Revelation 13). c. 16th century

Editor: This striking woodcut, titled "Illustration LII: the 13th figure..." depicts a scene of beasts and worship. The stark lines create a palpable sense of dread. What strikes you about its production? Curator: The dense, repetitive hatching speaks volumes about the labor involved in this image's creation. Consider the cultural context: were these prints intended for mass consumption, shaping a specific worldview through readily available imagery? Editor: So, you see its value not just in the image, but in how the print was made and circulated? Curator: Precisely. The artist's choice of medium and technique, perhaps driven by economic factors or technological constraints, directly influences its social impact and reach. Did the accessibility of these images challenge existing power structures or religious norms? Editor: I never thought about a woodcut having so much to say about society itself. Curator: Indeed. By focusing on the material conditions of its making, we unlock a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.