Buckfastleight Abbey, Devonshire c. 19th century

Editor: This is Robert Wallis’ "Buckfastleight Abbey, Devonshire," the date is unknown. The detail is incredible, especially given the size of the image. What’s your take on it? Curator: Considering the social context, prints like this allowed widespread consumption of landscapes. Note the labor involved in its production: the engraver meticulously transferring an image for mass reproduction. Editor: So it’s less about the abbey itself, and more about the… printmaking process? Curator: Exactly! This challenges the idea of unique artistic genius. The value lies in the skilled labor and accessibility, not just the subject. Editor: That shifts my perspective quite a bit. I hadn’t thought about it that way. Curator: It's about expanding our understanding of art beyond traditional notions. Editor: Right, it's not just what is represented, but how it was made, distributed, and received. Thanks for pointing that out!