Mucius Scaevola Burning His Hand c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Albrecht Altdorfer's "Mucius Scaevola Burning His Hand," a tiny etching from the 16th century. I’m struck by the intricate detail in such a small format. What can you tell me about this print? Curator: Notice how the labor of production is quite evident. The visible lines from the etching process are not hidden, but rather emphasize the hand-made quality of the print. Consider how this print was likely consumed and circulated. Editor: That's interesting! So, its value wasn't necessarily in hiding the means of production. Curator: Precisely. The materiality of the print, the paper, the ink, and the labor are all part of its meaning, and the story it tells about production in Altdorfer's time. Editor: I never thought about prints that way. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure, examining material processes is always enlightening.