How Joseph caused Mirenschach to be beheaded and took possession of his territory c. 15th century

Curator: This depiction of Joseph’s conquest, though visually simple, speaks volumes about power, narrative control, and the justification of violence. Editor: This woodcut print titled "How Joseph caused Mirenschach to be beheaded and took possession of his territory" seems to depict a triumphant procession. What’s your interpretation of this piece? Curator: Consider the historical context. Who commissioned this? Whose story is being told, and whose is being erased or vilified? The beheading itself is a stark declaration of dominance. How does this image contribute to a larger narrative about leadership and conquest? Editor: It's interesting to think about how the image functions as propaganda. Curator: Exactly. By focusing on the act of conquest, this image perpetuates specific ideas about authority. The details, even in their simplicity, serve a political agenda. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. Now, I see how this seemingly straightforward image is loaded with cultural and historical significance. Curator: Precisely. These historical images often mask a complex story, making it important to consider the power dynamics at play.