Sibylla Delphica c. 16th century

Editor: Here we have Giorgio Ghisi’s "Sibylla Delphica," an engraving. The level of detail is astounding. What can you tell me about the material processes involved in creating this print? Curator: Consider the labor invested in this piece. Ghisi, born in Mantua, was a master engraver. Every line, every shadow, is meticulously etched into the metal plate. Think about the social context: prints allowed wider circulation of images, democratizing access to art and ideas. Editor: So, it's not just about the image itself, but how it was made and distributed? Curator: Exactly! The value lies not only in Ghisi's skill but in understanding the means of production and its impact on art consumption. What does that imply about high art versus craft? Editor: It blurs the lines, showing skilled labor in both. I see how considering the materials and process gives us a whole new perspective.