Jacob and Rachel at the Well c. 17th century

Editor: This is Claude Mellan’s "Jacob and Rachel at the Well," an engraving. It's interesting how the artist depicts the labor involved in drawing water, and the vulnerability of the people and animals. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, it's about the material conditions of its creation. Look at the lines, the labor, the copperplate. How does the reproductive nature of the engraving democratize or distort the biblical narrative? The means of production are central to its meaning. Editor: So, it's not just about the story being told, but the story of how it was made and distributed. Fascinating. Curator: Precisely. The materiality impacts our interpretation. Editor: That gives me a whole new appreciation for the work!