Praalbed van de overleden kardinaal-infant Ferdinand van Oostenrijk, opgebaard in de Sint-Gudulekerk te Brussel, 1641 1641

Curator: This is a print from 1641, titled "Praalbed van de overleden kardinaal-infant Ferdinand van Oostenrijk, opgebaard in de Sint-Gudulekerk te Brussel", by Pieter de Jode II, currently at the Rijksmuseum. It is an engraving, a method of printmaking that relies heavily on the engraver's skill and labor. Editor: It has a solemn air about it, like a snapshot from another era. There's so much detail in the figures and architecture but what I see even in the background gives a real sense of place, the church’s presence almost swallowing the scene, the mourners like an endless army! What do you see in this piece? Curator: As a materialist, I'm drawn to consider the labor involved. Look at the intricate lines and shading—all achieved by hand. Think of the time, the skill, the *material effort* embedded in each line etched onto the plate and then impressed onto the paper. This engraving acts as both a record of Cardinal-Infante Ferdinand's funeral rites but also a promotional material reflecting the wealth of both church and crown at that time. The material object as political message. Can you imagine the number of these engravings that were distributed at the time and how the cost may have prevented the access of those less affluent to participate in the public memorial? Editor: Absolutely, it seems obvious when you highlight it. Considering access gives a whole different dimension. You can't forget that art never appears in a vacuum. Thanks. Curator: Indeed. By focusing on the material production, we shift our attention away from simply admiring artistic skill, although this is also very much to be appreciated, and start interrogating how social relations shaped and are reflected in the artwork and can also shape our future ones. Editor: That's a great perspective, I appreciate you shedding light on aspects I hadn’t previously considered. I'll definitely look at art with a more critical eye now. Curator: I'm glad to have provided you with a different understanding. The power of observation and critical thinking can enrich our lives beyond any measure.