Saint Columba of Cordova c. 15th century

Editor: This is an anonymous print of Saint Columba of Cordova, whose date is unknown. It's a small image, only about 6x7 cm, and depicts the saint holding a flame. The mood feels quite serene, despite being a woodcut. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's fascinating how this image and text combine hagiography with political messaging. Saint Columba’s story, though localized in Spain, is here being used to comment on broader themes of female virtue and resistance against oppressive forces. Editor: So, her martyrdom becomes a symbol for something larger? Curator: Precisely. Think about the historical context – who might have identified with Saint Columba's defiance? What contemporary struggles might this image have been referencing, even subtly? Editor: I hadn't considered those layers. It's much more complex than just a simple depiction of a saint. Curator: Exactly, and by examining the socio-political context, we can begin to unpack the deeper meanings embedded within this small print.