Caricature of the Laocoön c. 1540 - 1545

Editor: So, this is Nicolò Boldrini's "Caricature of the Laocoön." It's an engraving on a sheet of paper. The transformation of the figures into apes is striking. What can we say about the context of production here? Curator: Consider the materiality of the print itself. It’s reproducible, relatively inexpensive, and disseminates an image widely. The original Laocoön was a symbol of papal power, unearthed in Rome. Boldrini’s caricature, therefore, uses readily available materials to critique that power structure through satire. Who had access to these images and how were they consumed? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the act of printing as a challenge to established authority. So, the medium becomes part of the message? Curator: Precisely. The image, the means of its production, and its potential audience are inextricably linked. What does that suggest about the role of the artist and the value of the artwork itself? Editor: It makes me rethink artistic value and who decides it. Thanks! Curator: Indeed. By examining the means of production, we've uncovered a powerful critique embedded within a seemingly simple print.