Fagelius 1747

Editor: This is a portrait of Fagelius by Pieter Tanjé. It looks like an engraving. I’m curious about the process of creating these kinds of works. What can you tell me about it? Curator: The engraving process itself is key. Copperplate engraving demanded highly skilled labor. The tools, the engraver's burin, and the press are all critical elements shaping the final image. Editor: So, the materials themselves and the labor involved are central to understanding it? Curator: Precisely. The consumption of images like this reflects a specific social class and their access to this type of commodity. Consider the social context of printmaking and its role in disseminating knowledge and power. Editor: That’s a different perspective than I initially considered. I was focused on the subject matter! Curator: The material and process of production provides a tangible entry point to understanding its cultural significance.