Coronation of the Madonna c. 16th century

Editor: This anonymous piece, "Coronation of the Madonna," looks like an engraving. The detail is incredible! What strikes me is the sheer number of figures and how they all seem to be focused on this singular moment. What do you see in this work? Curator: I'm drawn to the process of its creation. Think about the labor involved in producing such a detailed engraving, the repetitive actions, the tools used. The material itself—the paper, the ink—becomes part of the narrative. How does its existence as a printed multiple affect our understanding of its subject? Editor: That's a different way to look at it. I hadn't really considered the production. Curator: Considering the material and the means of production makes us think about who had access to it, who commissioned it, and how it circulated. Editor: I guess it's not just about the religious story then. Curator: Precisely. It's about labor, materiality, and consumption intertwined. Editor: Thanks! I'll definitely keep that in mind for the rest of the tour.