Fries met twee putti die portretbuste tekenen before 1689

Editor: This is an engraving from before 1689, housed in the Rijksmuseum. It's called "Fries met twee putti die portretbuste tekenen"— "Frieze with two putti drawing a portrait bust." It depicts two cherubic figures sketching a bust, surrounded by classical motifs. What can you tell me about this piece? Curator: Considering the time period and the medium of engraving, let's look at the context of printmaking as a form of reproduction and dissemination of ideas. How does this image participate in the circulation of classical ideals? The very act of the putti drawing points to artistic labor. Editor: So, the material - the engraving - connects to the content - these putti creating art? Curator: Precisely. Engravings made art accessible to a wider audience. This print democratizes classical art. Consider also, how this "anonymous" print challenges our notions of the art market; does mass reproduction alter our relationship to concepts such as authorship and ownership? Editor: I hadn't thought about the relationship between access and authorship before. Curator: And think of the labor involved! Engraving is a skilled craft, meticulously transferring an image onto a plate for reproduction. It blurs the lines between high art and skilled craftsmanship. It requires specific material skills with metal, tools, and ink, to produce this “artwork." Editor: Right, it makes you wonder about the engraver and the process, beyond just the final image. It’s more than just decoration. Curator: Exactly. The act of producing it reflects cultural values around labor, skill, and accessibility within artistic production at the time. We have looked beyond simply aesthetics.