King Henry the Eighth c. 16th century

Editor: This image, titled *King Henry the Eighth* by an anonymous artist, presents a densely packed scene rendered with sharp lines. The weight of the monarchy seems to physically crush those beneath it. What can you tell me about this print? Curator: Looking at this image, I focus on the process of its creation and the materials used. As a print, it was made for mass consumption. How does that impact the message conveyed about Henry VIII's power and the labor involved in disseminating that image? Editor: That's a great point. It seems like the act of printing reinforces the king's authority. Was that the goal of the artisan? Curator: Precisely. Consider the social context. The print media allowed propaganda to reach a wider audience, shaping public opinion. What does the deliberate choice of this medium suggest about the intended viewership? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. Analyzing the material production really changes my view of the artwork.