Saint John the Baptist c. 16th century

Editor: This is an anonymous woodcut of Saint John the Baptist. It’s so detailed! It’s also interesting how he is standing over this dragon-like creature, while holding a banner with a lamb. How do you interpret this work within the historical and social context? Curator: Well, remember that prints like these often circulated amongst the masses. Given the context of religious upheaval at the time, the image of Saint John might have been a potent symbol. Editor: Symbol of what? Resistance? Faith? Curator: Possibly both, perhaps even a call for reform. Consider the lamb on the banner – the Agnus Dei– a direct reference to Christ's sacrifice. But what does it mean to show St. John standing over a dragon? Editor: Maybe the triumph of faith over evil. I hadn’t considered the social implications. Curator: Exactly! Art serves as a powerful tool for understanding historical narratives. Editor: I'll never look at a woodcut the same way again!