Madonna and Child with Saint Jerome and Two Other Saints c. 1755

Curator: This engraving, "Madonna and Child with Saint Jerome and Two Other Saints", gives a fascinating insight into the reproduction and dissemination of artistic ideas. Editor: I'm immediately struck by the way it captures that familiar, almost theatrical, High Renaissance drama. There is so much emotion. Curator: It reflects the cultural significance placed on religious imagery, mass produced and widely available to a growing audience. Consider the role of prints in shaping religious devotion. Editor: Absolutely, and I wonder about accessibility, who had access to this art and how did it shape their understandings of these important narratives? Curator: It speaks to the powerful influence of institutions in shaping artistic tastes and religious beliefs. Editor: Indeed, it invites us to question the narratives surrounding these images and the values they perpetuate.