Don Quixote 

Editor: So this is Gustave Dore's "Don Quixote", an engraving, perhaps from the 19th century, and I’m immediately struck by how stark the landscape is. The light feels so dramatic. What stands out to you? Curator: Immediately, I'm drawn to the production of this image. Think about the labor involved in creating this detailed engraving. Every line meticulously carved, reflecting not only the story but also the socio-economic conditions of its creation. Who was producing art like this and for what markets? Editor: That's a great point, it must have been extremely time-consuming work! It makes you wonder who was meant to view this art and if they had a hand in its production. What do you mean by “markets”? Curator: Engravings like these were often made for mass production, distributed through books and periodicals. Dore wasn't just illustrating a story; he was participating in a growing industry of visual culture. His detailed imagery likely appealed to a burgeoning middle class eager to consume literature and art. How do you think the medium of engraving affects our understanding of the Don Quixote story itself? Editor: That's so interesting to think about. Maybe the stark contrast and precise detail lends the story a kind of legitimacy? Like, even the most fantastical elements are rendered in a very convincing style. It almost elevates the story itself to a certain…market value? Curator: Exactly! The material production and consumption of images become intertwined with the story's own meaning and influence. These details demonstrate both the commodification and the democratization of visual art. Editor: That perspective has totally changed how I view this piece. I never thought so much about production. Thanks! Curator: And I hadn't considered the idea of engraving adding "legitimacy" to narrative; food for thought.