And no longer needing to hide the truth, she sent for the young prince c. 18th century

Editor: This is "And no longer needing to hide the truth, she sent for the young prince" by Jean-Louis Delignon. It looks like an etching. It's quite small and the lines are so fine, but it depicts a dramatic scene. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating exploration of the printing process itself. Look at the way the lines create tone and texture. It’s not just about depicting the scene, but about showcasing the capabilities of the etching medium and the labour involved in its creation. Editor: So, you're saying the material is almost the subject? Curator: Exactly! The print becomes a commodity in itself, reflecting the social and economic contexts of its production and consumption. Are we meant to focus on the drama, or the skill required to produce such a piece? Editor: I hadn't considered the value of the print itself. It gives me a lot to think about. Curator: Indeed. It highlights how materiality shapes our understanding and appreciation of art.