Pietà 1597

Editor: This is Annibale Carracci’s "Pietà," an etching from the late 16th century. It's quite small but incredibly detailed. The grief is palpable. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The web of etched lines, the very labor of its creation, emphasizes the corporeality of suffering and faith. How does the mass production of prints change the consumption of religious imagery and its role in the lives of ordinary people? Editor: So, the process democratized access to these powerful images? Curator: Precisely. It moves sacred art from the exclusive domain of the church and wealthy patrons to a broader audience, changing the very meaning of these images. What do you make of the labor involved? Editor: I see a powerful connection between the meticulous process and the emotional weight of the subject. Curator: A powerful insight!