Jesus Presented in the Temple c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Jacques Callot's "Jesus Presented in the Temple," an engraving. It is incredibly detailed given its small size. What strikes me is the sheer labor involved in creating this intricate scene. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating intersection of craft and mass production. Callot’s skill as an engraver allowed for wider distribution of religious imagery. Consider the material implications: copper plates, ink, paper, and the economics of their trade. How did this ease of reproduction impact religious practice and accessibility? Editor: That’s fascinating! It’s easy to overlook the role of materials in art. I hadn’t thought about the economics of image distribution. Thanks!