Chester Castle c. 18th century

Editor: This print, "Chester Castle," by William Byrne, shows a castle overlooking a port. The castle seems imposing, but the detailed rendering of the ships and the port structures draw my eye. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, consider the etching process itself: copper plates, acid baths, and the labor involved. It's not just a pretty picture. Byrne is documenting the intersection of power – the castle – with the developing commerce represented by the bustling port. Notice the contrast in textures, too – the rough stone versus the smooth water. What might that signify? Editor: Perhaps the print is commenting on the shift in power from the old aristocracy, represented by the castle, to the rising merchant class and trade? Curator: Precisely. The materials and the means of production speak volumes about the society that produced them. Editor: I see how focusing on the process and materials reveals a deeper social commentary. Thanks!