The Mouth of Truth c. 18th century

Editor: This is Maria Catharina Prestel’s "The Mouth of Truth," housed here at Harvard. It’s an engraving, so all about process. What strikes me is the contrast between the ornate architecture and the rough clothing of the figures. What do you see? Curator: For me, the printmaking process is crucial here. Think about the labor involved in creating those fine lines, mirroring Altdorfer’s design. It’s about translating sculpture and architecture into a reproducible commodity for wider consumption. How does that change our understanding of the original? Editor: So, it’s less about the truth and more about the means of spreading a story? I never thought about that. Curator: Exactly. The material process shapes the message and its accessibility. Something to consider.