Strooien van nieuwe zilveren munten met de beeltenis van keizer Karel V, plaat 22 Possibly 1530 - 1699

Editor: Here we have Nicolaas Hogenberg's "Strooien van nieuwe zilveren munten met de beeltenis van keizer Karel V, plaat 22," possibly from sometime between 1530 and 1699, created using engraving techniques. The detail is fascinating! How would you interpret the piece? Curator: Considering this engraving, it’s crucial to focus on the labor embedded in its creation and what it represents. Hogenberg, as a printmaker, engaged in a meticulous and time-consuming craft. Engraving, requiring specific tools and skills, speaks volumes about the societal value placed on disseminating images of power. How does the material – the print itself – function in constructing Charles V's image? Editor: So, it’s not just about the image of Charles V giving away money but the act of reproducing that image, democratizing it, almost? Curator: Precisely. The mass-produced print challenges notions of the singular masterpiece. Think about the metal the engraving is printed on, and the paper itself, made from processed plant fiber; all of these materials contributed to this reproduction. It connects the Emperor not just to a singular moment of largesse, but to industry. And, the inscription itself is part of the composition! Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn't considered! So, by focusing on the material aspects and the labor, we see it’s not *just* a historical record, it's a comment on the means of representation and distribution in society. Curator: Exactly. By paying close attention to production and making, and considering the impact on contemporary culture, we unlock so many additional readings. The work offers more than just history painting - the symbolic use of accessible wealth dissemination via both coinage *and* reproduced engraving images should invite closer study. Editor: I'll definitely keep a closer watch on the 'how' and 'why' of art production. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure, paying attention to materiality brings a more complete understanding.