Innocence Prefers Love to Wealth c. 19th century

Editor: This is "Innocence Prefers Love to Wealth" by Barthélemy Joseph Fulcran Roger. What strikes me is the contrast; the stark, draped figure on the left offering jewels against the embrace of love on the right. What do you see here? Curator: I see a commentary on the social values embedded in artistic production itself. The meticulous engraving process, enabling reproduction and wider dissemination, mirrors the commodification of love and innocence. The artist's labor translates these ideals into a marketable form. How does that shift your perspective? Editor: It makes me think about who this was made for, the labor involved, and how that affected the message. Thank you! Curator: It’s been a pleasure exploring the means through which the image produces its meaning.