The Evening 1768

Editor: This is François Vivares' "The Evening," an engraving. I'm struck by the contrast between the detailed foreground and the more atmospheric background. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Let’s consider the materiality of this print. The labor involved in engraving, the availability of paper, and how these factors impacted the distribution of images in the 18th century. How does its means of production affect its value and accessibility? Editor: That's a great point; it's easy to overlook the labor behind it! Curator: Precisely. And notice the landscape itself; what resources are represented, and how might their exploitation be implicated in the scene's tranquility? Considering these factors, how does it affect your initial perception? Editor: It definitely makes me think about the social and economic context in a new light. Curator: Exactly, and that intersection of material and social elements is key.