Sketch after Rembrandt 

Editor: Here we have John Sell Cotman's "Sketch after Rembrandt," an etching from the Tate. I'm struck by the textures he creates with simple lines. What can you tell me about the process that might inform our understanding? Curator: Cotman's choice of etching, a more accessible printmaking method, democratizes Rembrandt's vision. Think about the materiality of the plate, the labor involved in its preparation, the ease of reproduction, and circulation. How does this impact the reception of the image? Editor: So, it's not just about mimicking Rembrandt but making his style more widely available? Curator: Precisely. Consider the social context: was this for study, for sale, for a different audience than Rembrandt's original? The "means of production" shifts our perspective on its value and purpose. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Examining the materials and processes offers fascinating insights.