Saint Louis, King of France, in Penitence 17th-18th century

Editor: This is Gérard Edelinck's "Saint Louis, King of France, in Penitence." It's a print, and the detail is incredible. What strikes me is the contrast between the opulent robes and the king's humble posture. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see a careful construction of power and piety. The printmaking process itself, etching and engraving, demanded specialized labor. The robes, the angels – all point to a system of production dependent on both skilled artisans and the materials of wealth and religious authority. Editor: So, it's not just about the image, but about how it was made and what that says about society? Curator: Precisely. Consider the consumption of such an image. Who was meant to view this? What purpose did it serve in reinforcing the social hierarchy of the time? Editor: That gives me a whole new perspective on the work; it's not just devotion, it is a labor and material statement too. Curator: Indeed, and reflecting on the processes brings a new understanding of the artwork.