Medal Engraving 1767

Editor: This engraving, titled "Medal Engraving" by A.J. de Fehrt, shows the tools of the trade! I find it fascinating how it visualizes the process of creating a medal. What can you tell us about its historical context? Curator: Well, this print likely comes from a larger publication, perhaps an encyclopedia of trades. It demonstrates the democratization of knowledge and the elevation of craft in society. How might this image have influenced perceptions of artisans? Editor: It seems to dignify their work by illustrating the precision and skill required, like a celebration of labor. It highlights the importance of these trades in society, doesn't it? Curator: Precisely! By visually cataloging these tools, the print helps standardize knowledge and potentially promotes the social mobility of artisans, as the public recognizes their expertise. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. I guess images like this one played a role in shaping how we value different kinds of work even today. Curator: Indeed. It’s a window into a world where practical knowledge was gaining societal recognition.