Sports of Children c. 18th century

Editor: This is "Sports of Children" by Benigno Bossi. It seems to show cherubic figures engaged in playful activities and what looks like a bit of light torture. What can you tell me about this print? Curator: Given the printmaking process, we must consider Bossi’s access to materials and his patron’s desire for replicable images. The etching enabled a relatively efficient reproduction process. How does the scene’s apparent innocence clash with the material reality of its creation and the social context of its consumption? Editor: That’s a dark take, I suppose. It makes me wonder about the labor that went into even something this small. Curator: Indeed. The etching's materiality reflects a social hierarchy, doesn't it? Food for thought.