Vulcan's Forge 1530 - 1560

Editor: Here we have *Vulcan's Forge*, an engraving made between 1530 and 1560 by Master FG. It depicts a scene of male nudes hammering away in what appears to be an ancient workshop, all rendered in stark black and white. It's intensely active, almost overwhelming. What's your perspective on the process and context of this print? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the engraving process itself. Think of the labor involved, the physical act of incising those lines into a copper plate, the social systems that made the copper accessible in the first place. It isn’t just about the idealized male form; it is about the materiality, that’s what grabs me. Editor: So, you're focusing on the production, not so much the mythological subject? Curator: Precisely! Consider the division of labor, too. Who mined the ore? Who refined it? Who prepared the printing press? Whose labor allowed the artist, Master FG, to create this object? How was this image consumed, and by whom? It offers a window into a complex network of materials and workers. Look closely at how the figures overlap, each needing to be delicately cut into the metal surface - it makes you consider the hours and level of artisanship required. Editor: It makes the act of creation, beyond just the artistic vision, a lot more tangible. Something I wouldn’t necessarily consider at first glance. Curator: Right. The print challenges traditional boundaries because it pushes us to investigate that labour; without it there would be no scene in Vulcan's forge. Next time, you can consider the accessibility of prints such as these during this time period, and to whom they might be accessible. Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn't thought about the materials and processes having their own history, shaping the image itself, I appreciate the chance to expand my point of view. Curator: Absolutely! Looking beyond just representation opens a rich new understanding of early modern print culture.