Souvenir d'Italie c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Camille Corot’s print, "Souvenir d'Italie." The etching is stunning, but the process seems so labor-intensive. What can you tell me about the means of production here? Curator: The etching process itself involves acid, metal, and significant labor. Considering Corot's social class, how might his access to materials and workshops have shaped his artistic output, compared to, say, a printmaker working for commercial purposes? Editor: That's a great point. It makes me consider the privilege embedded in even seemingly simple landscape prints. Thank you for your perspective! Curator: Indeed, exploring the social context and the materiality allows a richer appreciation of Corot's "Souvenir d'Italie."