Jan de Bisschop c. 18th century

Editor: This is a portrait of Jan de Bisschop by David Coster, etched probably sometime in the early 18th century. It's incredible the amount of detail the artist was able to achieve. I'm curious, what is your take on this? Curator: Notice the intricate network of lines, the labor involved in creating this print. Consider the social function: to disseminate an image, to create a market for art and ideas. What does the act of reproducing an image do to its value, its perceived authenticity? Editor: So, you're saying the value isn't necessarily in the original artistic expression, but in the process of its production and consumption? Curator: Precisely! The print medium democratizes the image. It shifts the focus from individual genius to a broader sphere of material culture and exchange. Something to consider.