Birgitte Rosenkrantz 1633 - 1679

Editor: This is "Birgitte Rosenkrantz," an engraving created sometime between 1633 and 1679, currently at the SMK in Copenhagen. The detail achieved through the engraved lines is striking. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, let's think about this engraving not just as a representation, but as a manufactured object. Consider the labor involved, the engraver meticulously carving lines into a metal plate, each one determined by the subject's status and desire for dissemination of that image. What does it tell us about how images were circulated and consumed in that era? Editor: That’s a really interesting point! I was just focused on the symbolism - the angels, the coat of arms. It feels very deliberate. Curator: Exactly. The imagery certainly reinforces her nobility. But think about who would have commissioned such a print and how it would be used. It’s about presenting lineage, status, and perhaps, political power. How does the print medium democratize or restrict this message? Editor: It seems contradictory. Prints allow for wider distribution compared to painting, but the resources required still make it a tool of the elite. Curator: Precisely. This reveals the complex relationship between artistic production and social stratification. What do you think about the seemingly mundane skill involved? It does take years of practice and skill. Do we give enough appreciation for its means of production? Editor: I've never thought about that aspect before; thinking about skill vs fine art makes me reflect on value creation differently. Thanks! Curator: Absolutely! Thinking about the production of the object offers fascinating context!