Last Supper 1670

Editor: Here we have Melchior Küsel's "Last Supper," an etching. The opulence of the room strikes me. The wallpaper looks almost mass-produced. What can you tell me about the context of this piece? Curator: Notice the labor implied in every aspect, from the creation of the etching itself to the textiles and even the meal being served. Consider the social hierarchy at play – who is serving, who is being served, and how is this reflected in the materials? Editor: So, it's less about the religious narrative and more about the means of production? Curator: Precisely! The "Last Supper" becomes a stage to examine the economic realities of the time through the labor and materials displayed. It encourages us to question the relationship between art, craft, and consumption. Editor: That's a fascinating perspective. I never would have thought to look at it that way. Curator: Understanding the material conditions truly enriches our appreciation.