This is What You Were Born For 18th-19th century

Editor: Goya’s print, titled "This is What You Were Born For," depicts a grim scene with unsettling clarity. The materiality of the printmaking process itself seems to amplify the horror. What do you see in this piece, considering its historical context? Curator: This print, part of Goya’s "Disasters of War" series, compels us to consider the brutal means of production inherent in warfare. Etching, a process involving acid biting into metal, mirrors the corrosive effects of conflict on society and the individual. The prints were a cheap way to show atrocities. Editor: That's a powerful connection between the process and subject matter. How might the mass production of these prints have influenced their impact? Curator: By using reproducible mediums, Goya could disseminate this message more quickly and cheaply. The materiality is crucial to understanding its impact on consumption. What do you think? Editor: I see how the print medium allowed for wider accessibility, making it a potent form of social commentary. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, reflecting on the interplay between art, materials, and its audience sheds new light on its purpose.