Christ the Consoler c. 19th century

Editor: This is Friedrich Eduard Eichens' "Christ the Consoler." It's an engraving and the detail is amazing. I'm struck by the clear hierarchy in the composition. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Let's consider the social context of printmaking. Engravings like these made religious imagery widely accessible. The production democratized the image of Christ, transforming it from a unique artwork into a reproducible commodity for mass consumption. What does that say about its value? Editor: So the value shifts from artistic skill to its accessibility and message? Is that a fair assessment? Thanks, that’s an interesting way to view it. Curator: Exactly. We can see how the means of production influence our understanding and appreciation of the work.