S. James Major c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Johann Georg Bergmüller's "S. James Major." It's an intriguing etching. I am struck by how the textures are meticulously rendered. What can you tell me about this print? Curator: Notice the detailed rendering of the saint's armor and the texture of his robes. The labor involved in creating such a precise image through etching speaks to the value placed on craft. How does the mass production and consumption of prints like this influence the perception of religious figures? Editor: That's an interesting question. I guess it made art accessible to a wider audience. I hadn't considered the impact of printmaking as a medium itself. Curator: Indeed. The material process is as important as the image it conveys. Considering the social context shifts our understanding. Editor: That's given me a lot to think about! Thanks!