Christ Wounded by the Lance c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jacques Callot’s "Christ Wounded by the Lance," a small etching. It's incredibly detailed, and the scene feels both chaotic and meticulously constructed. What strikes you most about it? Curator: I'm drawn to the physical labor involved in creating such detail on such a small copper plate. Consider the socio-economic context: who commissioned it, and for what purpose was this labor and material deployed? Editor: That’s fascinating. It never occurred to me to think about the means of production of such a historical piece. Curator: Exactly! How does Callot's technique reflect the social structures of his time and the consumption habits of his patrons? Editor: I see now how thinking about materials and production adds another layer to understanding the artwork itself. Thanks!