Betrothment of the the Virgin c. 18th century

Editor: This is Domenico Cunego's "Betrothment of the Virgin," created sometime before his death in 1803. It looks like an engraving. The lines are so delicate, and the expressions are captivating. What can you tell me about the process behind this kind of printmaking? Curator: Considering Cunego’s context, the laborious process of engraving these delicate lines into a copper plate speaks volumes. This wasn't just about aesthetics; it was about reproduction and dissemination. Who was the intended audience, and how did this process democratize access to religious imagery? Editor: That's a great point. Was it meant to be a luxury item, or something more widely available? Curator: Precisely! The materiality of the print, the paper, the ink - they all indicate something about its intended lifespan and consumption. Think about how the act of mass production impacts the aura and meaning of the image itself. Editor: I never considered the paper and ink so closely. It’s interesting to think about its reach because it was printed. Curator: Yes, and perhaps the commodification of religious art, making it available in homes, not just churches. It gives us a lot to think about.