Punishment of a Suspected Police Spy (8 July 1789) 1789

Editor: This etching by Jean François Janinet, "Punishment of a Suspected Police Spy (8 July 1789)," depicts a chaotic scene. I'm struck by how the artist captured the raw energy of the crowd. What do you see in this piece? Curator: As a materialist, I immediately look at the means of production. Janinet’s choice of etching, a reproducible medium, speaks to the dissemination of revolutionary fervor. Note also the scale; its portability allowed for broad circulation. Consider how that impacts its meaning. Editor: So, the medium itself contributes to the message? Curator: Precisely. The act of making and distributing this image becomes a form of political participation, highlighting the power of accessible art during times of upheaval. Editor: That gives me a completely different perspective on the work. Thank you! Curator: Indeed, thinking about art as labor offers a richer understanding.