Costumi di Albano c. 19th century

Editor: This is Costumi di Albano by Bartolomeo Pinelli. It shows three women doing laundry, the image has a very domestic feel. What can you tell me about the materials and social context around creating this image? Curator: This print offers a glimpse into the labor involved in producing these garments and textiles of the period. Consider the labor of the women depicted, but also the work of the artist to produce this printed image. How might this print have been circulated and consumed? Editor: I see, so it highlights the labor that goes into making clothes and the materials in it. It's interesting how the print itself is also a manufactured object. Curator: Exactly. Understanding the means of production here helps us see beyond just the aesthetic value and consider the broader context. Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective! Thanks. Curator: My pleasure. Considering art through its materiality always adds depth.