Narcissus 18th-19th century

Curator: Francesco Bartolozzi, active in the late 18th century, created this print, titled "Narcissus," depicting the ill-fated mythological figure. Editor: It's so delicate! The sepia tones create a hazy, dreamlike atmosphere, and the fine lines suggest a lightness, almost as if the scene could dissolve at any moment. Curator: Narcissus's reflection, of course, is a classic symbol of self-obsession and the dangers of vanity. Echo, hidden in the trees behind him, embodies unrequited love, a cruel pairing. Editor: It’s interesting how Bartolozzi rendered it—the etching and engraving process likely demanded incredible control. Think of the pressure on the plate, the precise timing of the acid. Curator: Indeed. The symbolic weight is palpable, the rendering technique itself lends a sense of meticulousness. Editor: Seeing the labor involved gives the print a unique emotional impact. Curator: It highlights the complex relationship between longing, visibility, and ultimately, demise. Editor: Absolutely, and that materiality grounds the high drama of mythology in a tangible reality.