For any work of art, the view of the object at rest is a snapshot of the extant state of theological and political affairs surrounding the given image. But as soon as we notice that ensuing action is implied, that the static image we are witnessing is but a single moment in a kinetic continuum, it becomes clear that the status quo of political and theological meaning may also hint at or imply a potential or consequence that remains hidden when we merely look at the image as it is frozen in time. When we take such a view, dissident or questionably orthodox political and theological messages that are implied (but not articulated) in the image reveal themselves.

University of Michigan professor Elizabeth Sears delivers the Julius Fund Lecture in Medieval Art.