Canto I. The Dark Wood of Error (Worldliness); The Mount; The Three Wild Beasts c. 15th century

Editor: This is an intriguing page from an anonymous book, "Canto I. The Dark Wood of Error"… It looks like a woodcut. The black ink against the aged paper gives it a somber feel. The way the text surrounds the illustration is really unique. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Considering the material production, notice how the woodcut medium lends itself to the themes of darkness and error. The linear cuts, although detailed, offer a crude visual. The labour involved speaks to the accessibility of the printed word at this time. How might its mass distribution impact society? Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. So, by examining the process, we can understand its cultural impact. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. The materiality informs the message and its societal reach. Think about who had access to this type of media.