Moses Trampling on Pharaoh's Crown 1700 - 1800

Editor: So, this is "Moses Trampling on Pharaoh's Crown," a drawing, ink on paper, from somewhere between 1700 and 1800. It’s quite striking how the artist rendered this biblical scene just with ink washes, yet it has so much movement. How would you interpret this work? Curator: Consider the materiality here. Ink, readily available, widely used. Not precious gold leaf, not imported ultramarine. This piece, while depicting royalty, stems from a readily accessible mode of production. Think about who could access ink and paper versus the elite pigments. What does that say about its intended audience and function? Was this sketch for a larger, more 'valuable' piece, perhaps influencing the perception of it today? Editor: That's a very different way to look at it. I was so focused on the story, but you're making me think about the social context. Could this be a commentary on power and accessibility of resources? Curator: Precisely! The very act of choosing such humble materials – the democratic nature of ink – becomes a statement. Also, observe how the artist created the figures using simple means to convey dynamism in the material execution: What type of paper, what type of ink? The historical manufacture and supply chain are crucial aspects to understand this work as a historical record. Editor: It’s fascinating to consider the implications of the choice of materials. It wasn’t something I would’ve initially considered on my own. Curator: By centering process, and looking closely at its raw components, this piece invites inquiry on consumption. How did the economic conditions impact artistic choices in 1700, in terms of artistic practices and accessibility? These questions are crucial to materialist investigation. Editor: That definitely provides a fresh way to appreciate this piece and others! Now I will remember that materials tell stories. Curator: And hopefully prompting even deeper questions regarding what stories might never get told because they don't have access to those very same materials.