Omslag voor 28 prenten met landschappen, stadsgezichten en figuren en 4 tekstbladen 1881

Curator: This object, titled "Omslag voor 28 prenten met landschappen, stadsgezichten en figuren en 4 tekstbladen", which translates to 'Cover for 28 prints with landscapes, cityscapes and figures and 4 text pages,' dates back to 1881. It's held at the Rijksmuseum and was created by weduwe Alfred Cadart. I notice it's comprised of graphic art, specifically etching and typography. I am curious as to your reaction. Editor: It has a kind of elegant, almost austere quality, particularly because it’s a cover for a collection rather than a standalone work. What exactly is your understanding of the role of materials in this period, as demonstrated by this artwork? Curator: Well, consider the role of etching. It's not merely a means of image reproduction; it's a labor-intensive process, historically often gendered and tied to specific economic conditions. This album speaks volumes about the art market and distribution in 19th-century Paris. Note the typography as well. What kind of consumer do you imagine purchasing this set of prints? Someone desiring easy reproductions, or are there other considerations? Editor: Perhaps someone who values craftsmanship and the aesthetic of printed images. The impressionist label makes me think the buyer appreciated novel printing techniques that allowed those at home to consume artistic endeavors. It sounds very middle class? Curator: Precisely! The edition suggests an expansion of the art market, a movement towards broader accessibility while still maintaining a sense of curated taste. Editor: This has broadened my view, making me think about how the piece came to be, and who consumed it. I did not think to start there. Curator: Thinking about art through the lens of materials and labor changes our understanding and connects it directly to broader social and economic forces. We must keep asking, how did they make that!