Dubbele bokaal met cannulures c. 1506 - 1538

Editor: Here we have Albrecht Altdorfer's "Double Cup with Cannulures," created sometime between 1506 and 1538. It’s a graphite drawing, or perhaps an intaglio print? It’s quite detailed. The overall form gives me a feeling of classical formality. What strikes you about it? Curator: The formalism definitely stands out, but I see something else: power and class. Remember, luxury objects like these cups were potent symbols in the Renaissance. The very ownership spoke volumes. Who could afford this? What kind of statement would displaying it make? How does the cup itself dictate the power dynamics of the social spaces where it's placed? Editor: So, it’s less about pure aesthetics and more about its socio-economic implications. Does the drawing, being a reproduction, play into that? Curator: Precisely! The drawing allows the design to circulate, potentially inspiring similar objects for those aspiring to a higher social stratum. But I'd ask you this, is it merely a beautiful rendering, or does it hint at the unstable hierarchies of the time through its detailed reproduction? Editor: I see your point. The drawing almost democratizes the image of luxury, while reinforcing its inaccessibility. Thinking about Altdorfer in relation to social mobility really adds a whole new layer for me. I will definitely reflect on this further. Curator: Indeed, art allows us to explore the intersections of class, desire, and representation across historical contexts.