Ontwerp voor een tabernakel (?) 1750 - 1765

Editor: Here we have Giovanni Bettati's "Design for a Tabernacle (?)," created between 1750 and 1765, using ink, charcoal and drawing as the medium. It feels incredibly ornate; almost excessively so. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Considering this piece through a materialist lens, I find the excessiveness very telling. Look at the drawing itself. Ink and charcoal are relatively inexpensive materials. Yet, the labor invested in such intricate detailing – all those flourishes, the cherubic figures – speaks to a society deeply concerned with display and the material expression of faith. Don’t you agree? Editor: I see your point. It’s not about the intrinsic value of the materials but the sheer amount of work involved. Curator: Precisely. Rococo, as a style, thrived on this tension. The asymmetry, the curves – all designed to overwhelm the senses and signify abundance, even if the base materials are humble. Imagine the skill involved, not just in the drawing but in the intended final product. Were those artisans fairly compensated for this labour, one wonders. Editor: That really makes me think about the role of craftsmanship in this era. It seems like this drawing highlights a desire to elevate simple materials. I never considered what went into it from this perspective, to question whether people actually received recognition for that work. Curator: The means of production always tells a story, from the acquisition of materials to distribution of goods. Art like this offers a window into a system where appearances mattered greatly. What were the social implications in the commissioning, creation and distribution of artworks? How did those impact artists and workshops that weren't commissioned in that way? This opens doors for critical discussion, isn’t it? Editor: It certainly does. Thank you for expanding my view beyond just the aesthetics!