Kyburg c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Johann Heinrich Meyer's "Kyburg," an engraving of a castle. It's incredibly detailed. What's most striking is the contrast between the castle and the natural surroundings. How do you interpret this work through its materiality? Curator: Notice how the sharp lines of the engraving tool delineate both the castle and the dense foliage. The printing process itself, with its reliance on skilled labor and specific materials, highlights the relationship between human control and the natural world being depicted. Consider, too, how the consumption of these prints by a wider audience shaped perceptions of landscape and power. What labor went into its production, and how did that affect its meaning? Editor: So, the print itself becomes a part of the story, reflecting the social and economic context of its making. I never thought about it that way before. Curator: Exactly! The materials and their manipulation are central to understanding the work's broader cultural significance.