The Virgin Among the Angels c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Jean Marie Leroux's "The Virgin Among the Angels," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. The hazy grayscale tones really give it an ethereal feeling. What can you tell me about this print? Curator: Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed image through printmaking. The process itself, the repeated transfer of ink to paper, echoes the dissemination of religious imagery, making it accessible for wider consumption. Editor: That's a really interesting perspective! It highlights the social function of art, not just its aesthetic value. Thanks! Curator: Indeed! This piece illustrates how art serves as a vehicle for ideology, mediated through the practicalities of its production.