Virgin and Child Who Holds a Pigeon in One Hand c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Virgin and Child Who Holds a Pigeon in One Hand," by Jacopo Bernardi. It seems to be a print. What strikes me is the detailed rendering of the fabrics and the soft tones achieved in this piece. What can you tell me about it? Curator: I notice the emphasis on the Madonna's garments and the textile of her head covering, elements often overlooked in favor of the subjects themselves. The artist clearly considered the means of production – how the lines translate material reality. How does that contrast with the labor involved in producing and consuming religious imagery at that time? Editor: That's interesting. So you are saying that by focusing on the material aspects, the artist is perhaps commenting on the broader societal context in which this image was created and consumed? Curator: Precisely. It makes you think about the economy of image-making, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely, I’ve never thought of it that way.