The Founder's Tomb, Church of Saint Bartholomew the Great 1903

Editor: This is Joseph Pennell’s 1903 etching, "The Founder's Tomb, Church of Saint Bartholomew the Great," rendered in ink on paper. The composition feels both intricate and somewhat austere. What elements do you think Pennell emphasizes in this print? Curator: This work immediately draws my attention to the labor involved, not only in the etching process itself but in the construction and ongoing maintenance of the Church. Look closely at the tomb; consider the resources and craftspeople involved in its creation. How does Pennell's print, a multiple, democratize access to this symbol of elite power and patronage? Editor: So, you're suggesting the print medium changes our relationship to the monument depicted. Do you see any hints about the socio-economic conditions informing both Pennell's work and the historical context? Curator: Absolutely. The Church itself speaks to centuries of wealth accumulation and social hierarchy. Pennell, by choosing etching, engages with a tradition of printmaking used for both artistic and documentary purposes. He is part of a culture increasingly aware of its own industrial processes, even as he depicts pre-industrial craftsmanship. Editor: It’s interesting to consider how the materials and production methods used here are commenting on the social and economic realities both depicted and surrounding the artwork’s creation. Curator: Precisely. And thinking about how widely available this image was versus who would have the opportunity to enter the Church brings forward interesting social considerations about visibility and power. Editor: I never considered that aspect before. That gives me a lot to think about in terms of artistic accessibility. Curator: Indeed, materiality always matters when trying to access the intent and affect behind a piece like this one.