Medea and Jason 1539

Editor: Here we have Georg Pencz's "Medea and Jason," an engraving. I'm immediately struck by the textures he's created with simple lines. What's your take on it? Curator: The engraving allows us to consider the labor involved in art production. The crosshatching, the precise lines - they weren't just about representing Medea and Jason, but about displaying the skill and effort invested in the plate itself. Consider how this level of detailed craftsmanship also impacted its consumption by an elite audience. Editor: That's interesting. So, it's less about the story, more about the process? Curator: Not entirely, but the means of production informs the message. How the materials and the making shaped the artwork's social role. Think about the cost of materials and tools. Editor: I never thought about it like that. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure!