Remember Normandy c. 19th century

Editor: This is Otto Weber's "Remember Normandy." It’s hard to pin down a date, but the etching itself has such a wonderful range of textures. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The etching process itself is crucial here. Note how the artist manipulates the plate, the pressure, the acid bath, to achieve that tonal range. It speaks to a specific mode of artisanal production. How does that labor relate to the rural labor depicted? Editor: That’s interesting. So the method reflects the subject? Curator: Precisely! Consider the accessibility of prints; they allowed for a wider consumption of imagery, democratizing art in a way. Weber highlights the value of craftsmanship and the dignity of rural labor. Editor: I hadn't thought about the distribution aspect. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! It’s about how art circulates, not just what it depicts.