The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew 1624

Editor: This is Jusepe de Ribera's "The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew," an etching. The detail is incredible, especially given its small size. What strikes me is the starkness of the scene, yet I wonder about the process of creating such a work. What can you tell me about its making? Curator: Notice the labor implied in the etched lines, repeated and layered to create depth and shadow. Ribera’s mastery of this printmaking technique, a process involving acid, metal plates, and immense skill, challenges notions of artistic genius by foregrounding the means of production. He’s not just depicting martyrdom; he’s performing artistry as labor. Editor: So, the act of creation itself becomes a commentary? Curator: Precisely. Ribera uses readily available materials to elevate a narrative and question the consumption of such violent imagery. It makes one consider the social implications of producing and consuming such imagery. Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. It’s more than just a religious scene; it’s about the system of art itself. Curator: Indeed. The very material nature of this etching speaks volumes about its time and the artist's critical engagement with it.