Canto XI. The Fourth Sphere: The Sun / The Doctors of the Church; The Second Garland of Souls; Saint Thomas Acquinas Recounts the Life of Saint Francis of Assissi; Denunciation of the Monastic Orders c. 15th century

Editor: This appears to be a page from an early printed edition of Dante's *Divine Comedy*, featuring a woodcut illustration of Canto XI, showing Saint Thomas Aquinas recounting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. The composition feels quite crowded. What strikes you about this image? Curator: As a historian, I see this not just as an illustration of Dante, but as a reflection of the social and religious currents of the time it was created. Notice how the figures are presented. Are they idealized or realistic? Who would have been the audience for this image, and how would they have understood its message about the Church? Editor: It's interesting to think about the intended audience and how their understanding would shape the image's meaning. Curator: Exactly! And how the printing press itself democratized access to these ideas, shifting the public role of art and imagery. Thinking about who controlled these images is also relevant. Editor: I hadn't considered that before. It makes me want to explore the power dynamics at play. Curator: Indeed, recognizing those forces can dramatically shift our understanding of the artwork.