Saint John c. 1595

Editor: Here we have "Saint John," an engraving by the Workshop of Jacques de Gheyn II, at the Harvard Art Museums. The lines are so intricate; it's amazing how much detail they were able to get. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the socio-economic factors in the making of this print. What kind of labor went into its production? Think about the engraver, the paper maker, and how this image might have been consumed in its time. Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn’t considered all the different people involved in creating this print. Curator: This wasn't just an individual act of artistic genius. It was a collaborative effort, deeply embedded in a network of production and consumption. Editor: That changes my perspective entirely. It makes me appreciate the print’s historical context so much more. Curator: Indeed. By examining its materiality, we can unlock a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.