Saint John on Patmos c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have an anonymous work, "Saint John on Patmos." It's a print, and I'm struck by the texture achieved with simple lines. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Look at the labor involved in carving this block. The marks suggest a deliberate process, likely for mass production. Consider, then, who the intended audience was and the social function of disseminating this imagery. Editor: So, the *how* of making it is as important as the *why*? Curator: Precisely. Examining the materiality and production helps us understand its place in society and the artist’s role within that system. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about regarding early printmaking. Curator: Indeed. Let’s remember art is work.