Aanbidding der koningen 1630 - 1700

Editor: So, this engraving is called "The Adoration of the Kings," made sometime between 1630 and 1700 by an anonymous artist. It's a small print, but the scene feels vast. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, immediately my eyes are drawn to the etched lines, aren't they? Look at the artist's labor. The density of the lines in the shadows, compared to the open, airy spaces. Think about the physicality of pushing that tool across the plate, the sheer repetitive action to build this image. That, in itself, is meaningful labor. Editor: I hadn’t really considered that! I was focusing on the story being depicted, a religious scene, of course, but I get your point, you're suggesting it is equally important to analyze the artist's labour of creating the artwork? Curator: Precisely! And consider who this print was made for, and why printmaking took hold at this time. Cheaper images mean wider consumption and distribution, right? It brings this biblical scene to more people, democratizing, to some extent, access to religious narratives. What implications do you think that has? Editor: I suppose that means the message has the potential to be spread among those who can not afford fancy, exclusive paintings...so it makes the religious messages more "consumable"? Curator: Exactly! So this work then has to be viewed from that perspective. Furthermore, prints could be disseminated and sold across wide geographical distances too, to reach larger markets and make money, like any product does. What else catches your eye now you are thinking more about materiality? Editor: Now I'm thinking of the paper used. The quality, availability...even the ink. Each choice says something about the means of production and consumption in that period. Fascinating. I've definitely learned a new perspective on analyzing prints today, thinking beyond subject matter to the material conditions. Curator: Agreed, it is also interesting for me, these kind of approaches also opens new doors to discover the social factors of its age.