Tailpiece c. 18th century

Editor: This tiny print, "Tailpiece" by ? Nioul, shows an ornamental flourish. It seems so delicate, almost like lace. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The work's value lies less in its individual artistry and more in its function within the broader context of book production. Its small size and the repetitive nature of such designs suggest a standardized process, perhaps even a division of labor within a print shop. How does examining its materiality shift our understanding? Editor: It makes me think about the physical labor involved. It wasn't just inspiration, but skill and repetition. Curator: Exactly! And consider the wood or metal used for the block, the ink, the paper – each element tells a story of production and consumption. It's less about individual genius, and more about the conditions that made this object possible. Editor: I never thought about art in terms of mass production before. Curator: Perhaps seeing art as a product of social and material forces, rather than just individual expression, gives us a new perspective.