Jachtgezelschap laat paarden drinken aan de voet van brug c. 1733 - 1762

Editor: This is "Hunting Party Letting Horses Drink at the Foot of a Bridge" by Jean Moyreau, likely made between 1733 and 1762. It's an engraving or drawing of a genre scene in a landscape. I find the composition interesting – what do you make of this artwork? Curator: From a materialist perspective, let’s consider the process of creating an engraving like this in the 18th century. Think of the artisan skill involved in creating the copper plate, the repetitive labor of etching, and the mechanics of the printing press to produce multiple copies. These were commodities, circulated and consumed. Who was buying them? What purpose did it serve to produce an image like this versus a painting? Editor: So, you are saying to think about this from the viewpoint of a commodity made by someone and consumed by others... It reminds me of a manufactured item that would serve certain social groups at the time. Is the depiction of this leisure class also significant? Curator: Exactly. What is the social context? What’s being represented and for whom? The image celebrates the leisurely activities of the elite, suggesting their control over both nature and resources. Who is missing? Consider what materials – copper, ink, paper – are used, their origins, and the economic systems enabling their availability. It wasn’t accidental but based on specific material relations. What kind of social role would this image serve for that privileged class? Editor: Right, so this image normalizes that class’ activities but only shows one very specific perspective. Focusing on its means of production, who might've been excluded during its consumption becomes more apparent, offering critical commentary on its themes. Curator: Precisely. We've touched upon how close looking at material reality lets us reflect on production, class, and historical circumstances. Editor: Yes, I will definitely look at art from the material aspects. Thank you!