'Affection' 1782

Curator: This is ‘Affection,’ an engraving by John Baldrey, dating back to 1782, currently residing here at the SMK. What strikes you about it? Editor: Immediately, the tonality. It's almost monochromatic, a delicate sienna that evokes a certain… tenderness. The oval composition seems to cradle the figures. Curator: Indeed. The limited color palette emphasizes the process of engraving and how Baldrey used that to mass produce a very popular image for the late 18th century market. It catered to a rising middle class that wanted depictions of domestic life in their own homes. Editor: The line work is so precise, particularly in the rendering of the girl's hair and the fur of the dogs. Notice how the density of lines creates shadows and volume. This level of control is crucial to understanding its formal construction and the overall sense of balance it presents. Curator: And that very precise linework came at a cost. We can't overlook the labor that went into producing engravings at this time. Apprentices and journeymen would have been crucial to meeting demand, performing what some might call repetitive, even dehumanizing tasks. It's fascinating how notions of "artistic" creation are so embedded with these economic realities. Editor: A valid point, yet I think we can also appreciate Baldrey’s adept handling of perspective and light. It gives depth to what could have been a rather flat, sentimental image, imbuing it with some nuance. The turn of the girl’s head, the almost casual arrangement of the dogs – these contribute to a composition that transcends pure sentimentality. Curator: But the sentimentality *is* key to its purpose! ‘Affection’ reinforces particular social values and gender roles prevalent during that period. The image served as both entertainment and instruction within the domestic sphere. It normalized displays of affection and, perhaps subconsciously, certain power dynamics, particularly in the context of pet ownership. Editor: Perhaps so, but viewing it formally also lets us explore those power dynamics. Through gaze and physical position Baldrey also captures some of the more ambiguous dynamics. Curator: Ultimately, ‘Affection’ stands as both a skillfully crafted print, showcasing Baldrey’s expertise, and a revealing window into the socio-economic fabric of its time. Editor: A synthesis I wholeheartedly embrace! It certainly illustrates how the confluence of form and context can significantly shape our interpretation of art.