Archangel Michael c. 16th century

Editor: This is Archangel Michael, by an anonymous artist. It’s a striking image made with what looks like a woodcut. What strikes me is the contrast between the angel and the defeated beast. What can you tell me about this print? Curator: Well, look at the labor involved in creating this print. The carving of the woodblock itself, the manual printing process. Consider this in relation to the religious narrative. Isn't the mass production of such images a form of democratizing faith, a kind of material dissemination of power? Editor: That’s an interesting point. So, the printmaking itself challenges traditional notions of religious art? Curator: Precisely! It disrupts the exclusivity of the Church's artistic patronage, making sacred imagery accessible. Consider how the consumption of these prints impacted the social fabric of the time. What do you think? Editor: I see what you mean. It makes you think about the audience and how they interacted with these kinds of images. Thanks for your insights!