Losse fragmenten van een prent van Pyramus en Thisbe 1580 - 1596

This artwork shows fragments of a print of Pyramus and Thisbe, made by an anonymous artist. The printmaking process often involves a division of labor, with specialist designers, engravers, and printers each contributing their skills. This commercial aspect is crucial. It enabled the wide distribution of images, fueling cultural exchange and shaping popular taste. Here, though fragmented, the original image would have circulated widely, making the tragic tale accessible to many. Now, consider the physical act of tearing: a forceful disruption that contrasts with the original intention of mass production. It raises questions about value, destruction, and the stories we choose to preserve. This action transforms a reproduced image back into a unique, almost sculptural, object. So, the next time you encounter a print, think about the layers of human effort and intention embedded in its making. And remember, even in fragments, art can still tell powerful stories about labor, loss, and survival.