Howard, Charles, Earl of Carlisle c. 18th century

Editor: This portrait of Charles Howard, Earl of Carlisle, by Jan Faber the Younger, presents a detailed likeness, mainly with the use of engraved lines. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Let’s consider the means of production here. Etching allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images, influencing consumption and social hierarchies. The materials—copper plate, ink, paper—democratized portraiture to some extent, moving away from unique painted commissions. Editor: So, it's not just about who is in the picture, but how it was made and how it was distributed? Curator: Precisely. The print medium made it more accessible. Did it truly challenge the class system? That's debatable, but it certainly broadened access to imagery and ideas. Editor: I hadn't considered that it could make art more accessible! Curator: Exactly. Looking at art in terms of materials and means of production opens up a world of interpretation.