The Voyage of Saint Ursula 1480 - 1490

This woodcut, titled "The Voyage of Saint Ursula", is of unknown origin and date. Its dominant feature is the contrast between the linear precision of the ship's rigging and the more crudely colored figures. This creates a tension that pulls the viewer between the symbolic and the material. The composition divides neatly into earth, sea, and sky, each layered with figures and structures that convey a sense of depth despite the print's flatness. This layering isn't merely descriptive; it’s a structural device. The formal arrangement suggests a narrative hierarchy, where the earthly encounter between the soldier and Saint Ursula's vessel sets the stage for a higher spiritual journey. Notice the use of color – muted tones, with stark reds marking points of focus and, perhaps, conflict. What is at play here is not just a depiction of a voyage, but a meditation on the journey of faith itself. The roughness of the woodcut medium further emphasizes the earthly struggle inherent in spiritual quests.