Apollo and Daphne c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Joseph Wagner's "Apollo and Daphne." The etching is just incredible, with all the detail. I'm struck by how the figures in the foreground seem almost staged against the vast landscape. What do you see in terms of its production? Curator: Considering the historical context, it's fascinating to consider the labor involved. The artist, or perhaps multiple artisans, meticulously translated an idea through the physical act of etching. The accessibility of prints also democratized art consumption. Notice how the landscape is not just a backdrop but an active participant through different types of labor. Editor: So, it is both a mythological scene and a representation of the means of its own production? Curator: Precisely. The print becomes a commodity, circulating within a developing market for art. It makes you wonder about Wagner’s intended audience and how they might have perceived both the myth and its material form. Editor: That gives me a lot to consider! Thank you.