Joseph Telling His Dream ('Joseph Explains Pharaoh's Dream') c. 1581

Editor: Here we have Adriaen Collaert's "Joseph Telling His Dream," an engraving. The detail is incredible. What strikes me is how the story unfolds visually. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Collaert's engraving reflects the economics of image production at the time. It's not just about biblical narrative, but about the skilled labor of the engraver, the cost of materials, and the consumption of religious imagery in a rapidly changing market. Editor: So, it's not just religious instruction, but also a commodity? Curator: Precisely. And consider the division of labor: Collaert may not have conceived the design but executed the engraving. Editor: That really shifts my perspective. Thanks!