Arion 1763 - 1766

Curator: Augustin de Saint-Aubin created this engraving, "Arion," between 1763 and 1766. It’s now housed here at the Metropolitan Museum. What's your initial response to this turbulent scene? Editor: Stormy! The swirling clouds and crashing waves create such dramatic tension. The materiality of the engraving lends a unique textural quality. Curator: The artist depicts Arion of Methymna, a gifted lyric poet rescued at sea. See how he is playing his lyre as he's carried by dolphins. This scene underscores the enduring power of music and divine intervention in human affairs. The lyre, here, is more than just an instrument; it's a symbol of harmony in chaos. Editor: It's intriguing how the labor involved in crafting this engraving contributes to its overall value. The lines create shading and convey motion, demonstrating skill and a deep understanding of material transformation into art. Consider how many prints were struck from this one engraved plate and how that relates to the poem and the story’s circulation! Curator: Absolutely. The dolphins themselves serve as symbols. Ancient cultures associated them with intelligence, guidance, and salvation. The entire composition suggests hope and redemption amid chaos, recalling the myth of Orpheus, and even echoing pre-Christian associations with music. Editor: But let's not overlook the social context in which Saint-Aubin produced this work. Who had access to it? What were the consumption patterns? These details bring art history down to Earth, grounding lofty allegories with labor! Curator: Your perspective is refreshing. Engaging with artwork through the lens of labor highlights often unseen connections in the art-making process, even shifting how we understand the artwork's symbolic language. Editor: It's the materials, processes, circulation and social conditions that make history, right? Looking at this piece helps illuminate those broader patterns. Curator: And looking for the symbol enriches those perspectives, giving nuance and layered understanding. Thank you for taking that journey with me!