Combat at Close Quarters c. 16th century

Editor: This is Antonio Tempesta's "Combat at Close Quarters," an etching from around the late 16th or early 17th century. It's chaotic! What can you tell me about how its means of production and materials reflect its historical context? Curator: Look at the labor involved. The etching process itself, the copper plate, the biting acids—these reflect early industrial processes. The image depicts the consumption of war, valorizing conflict but also showcasing the material cost and labor behind such displays. Editor: So, by focusing on the etching process, we can see the broader social and economic context of warfare at the time? That’s a really interesting perspective. Curator: Exactly. Think about the consumption of these images, too. Who was buying and displaying them? What kind of messages were they meant to convey about power and production? Editor: I never thought about it that way. Considering the materials and process adds so much more to the understanding of the artwork's purpose! Thanks. Curator: It's all about uncovering the layers of meaning embedded within the materiality itself.