Salvator Mundi c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Nicolas Ryckemans' "Salvator Mundi," an engraving in the collection of the Harvard Art Museums. The starkness of the lines really highlights the suffering, and the contrast makes it very dramatic. What stands out to you? Curator: I'm drawn to the labor involved in its production. Consider the engraver's skill, meticulously transferring an image to the plate, and the press operator's role in creating multiples. Who consumed these images, and how did that impact their value? Editor: That's interesting; I was just focused on the image itself. It’s amazing to consider the hands involved in producing and distributing it. Curator: Exactly. Reflecting on the material aspects helps us understand the social life of this work. Editor: Thanks. I'll definitely think about the production and consumption of art differently from now on.