Albert, Companion to Saint William 1661

Curator: This etching by Salvator Rosa is titled "Albert, Companion to Saint William." It presents a rather stark and vulnerable figure. Editor: Yes, there is a raw, almost unsettling quality. The figure's emaciated form and the barren tree contribute to a sense of suffering. What can you tell me about the artist's method? Curator: Rosa was very interested in the physical act of producing images. The etching process allowed for the easy dissemination of his images to a wider audience which helped to spread his artistic vision. Editor: The stark contrasts created through the etching process also lend it a dramatic flair, highlighting the contours of the body and the textures of the natural setting. Ultimately, it makes you feel something. Curator: I'm inclined to agree; the print's material existence as well as its availability really helps to amplify that connection with its viewers.