Herulen 1712 - 1714

Editor: This engraving, “Herulen,” dates from 1712 to 1714 and is at the Rijksmuseum. It depicts a warrior with a bow and arrow against a classical backdrop. I’m curious about the choice of medium, engraving. How does the materiality of the print influence its meaning, considering its historical context? Curator: The print’s medium is essential here. Engraving, unlike painting, allowed for mass production and distribution. What do you think the implications of this might be? Editor: That makes me think about how this image could be reproduced and circulated to wider audiences. So, it wasn’t just about artistry, but also about accessibility and perhaps propaganda? Curator: Exactly. Consider the social context. This was a time of empire-building and conflict. An easily reproduced image like this, showing a heroic figure with the caption ‘Herulen,’ could be used to inspire nationalist sentiments and associate contemporary struggles with the glory of the past. Editor: I see. So, it’s not just about the artistic skill in creating the image, but the entire process, from the engraver's labor to the final consumption by the public that is significant. Curator: Precisely. The materiality of the print directly impacts its potential to influence the broader socio-political landscape. Even the paper, the ink, and the tools used to create it played a role in this process. Editor: That really changes how I see it. I initially just thought about its aesthetic qualities, but now I understand how its production and circulation are equally crucial to understanding its historical function. Curator: Yes. Examining art through a materialist lens reveals how deeply interwoven art is with economic forces and societal ideologies. Editor: That's incredibly insightful; I'll never look at engravings the same way again. Thanks for opening my eyes to the material conditions of art making.