Schelpvormige schaal, gedragen door drie vrouwen c. 1614 - 1654

Editor: This engraving by Hendrik van der Borcht II, made sometime between 1614 and 1654, depicts three women supporting a shell. The level of detail, achieved with such a simple medium, is captivating. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Let's look at the material reality of this print. Engravings were, and are, reproducible and relatively inexpensive. This facilitates wider dissemination of images and ideas. The scale of the print also matters. What’s its size in relation to the original object? Editor: Probably much smaller. Why is that important? Curator: The act of reproducing a sculpture, for example, miniaturizes it and removes it from its original context. It’s taken out of the realm of the unique object. Also, consider who had access to prints like these. Were they luxury goods? What kind of labor was involved in producing this image? How might that affect its cultural value? Editor: That's fascinating! It almost democratizes art in a way, by making it accessible. It makes you consider the entire production line, not just the artistic skill. I'm wondering, if we only focus on the means of making and disseminating this artwork, does that change the perception and meaning of it? Curator: It redirects our attention. Instead of only thinking about the subject matter—nudes, allegory—we examine the socio-economic system that enables its production and distribution, challenging traditional notions of artistic genius. Editor: That reframes the way I think about engravings and prints in general! Curator: Indeed. By examining its materiality, we move away from just aesthetic appreciation and into a realm where labor, accessibility, and even early forms of media come into play.