Noli Me Tangere, from The Passion of Christ 1582 - 1583

Editor: So, this is "Noli Me Tangere, from The Passion of Christ" made between 1582 and 1583 by Johann Sadeler I. It's an engraving, so it’s fascinating to consider how it was reproduced and disseminated. What does this print suggest to you about the cultural context in which it was made? Curator: Let's consider the material conditions of its production. The printmaking process itself is a form of industrialized image-making. Engravings like this weren't just about religious devotion; they were commodities, reflecting the rise of a print market and consumer culture in the late 16th century. Editor: I never considered how much labor goes into creating these detailed prints! What can you tell me about the engraver’s choice of medium and how it served its audience? Curator: The precision of the engraving allows for a wide distribution of standardized images. Each line meticulously carved contributes to the overall effect but also represents labor – hours upon hours of skilled craft. Think about the social structures supporting this labor, the workshops, the patronage. Did these prints democratize religious art or just repackage it for a new consumer base? Editor: So it's about both the subject matter, Christ's appearance to Mary Magdalene, and also the economics and industrialization behind producing an image. Fascinating! Curator: Exactly! Consider the social impact and implications: the availability, the affordability. How might it change people's relationships to religious iconography compared to, say, commissioned paintings only available to the wealthy? Editor: I see the connections so much clearer now. This print is more than just a pretty religious scene. Curator: Absolutely! And those connections bring forth conversations about accessibility, consumption, and the power dynamics within artistic creation and distribution.