Facetious Inventions of Love and War c. 17th century

Curator: This engraving, called "Facetious Inventions of Love and War" by François Collignon, has an almost grotesque quality to it. Editor: Yes, there’s something absurd about the figure's exaggerated form and the rough, almost scratchy lines used to create the image. It makes me think about how the materials of artmaking shape our perceptions. Curator: Right, and the title's suggestion of love and war, juxtaposed with this almost clownish figure, points to a satirical commentary on those themes. Perhaps examining the roles of marginalized genders in the creation of this mockery. Editor: Exactly. Collignon's choice of engraving as a medium is also relevant; it's a process involving labor, skill, and the reproduction of images that would have reached a broad audience. Curator: The figure itself is a study in how we present identity through costume and posture. What statements is Collignon making about masculinity, or even class? Editor: I think looking at the production methods tells us something about the market conditions influencing artists. Curator: Indeed. Thinking about this work, then, means addressing both its social critique and its material presence. Editor: Agreed. There’s a lot to unpack when considering both the image and its means of production.