View of the Palaces from the Fondamenta Nuove in Venice 1670

Editor: This is Melchior Küsel's "View of the Palaces from the Fondamenta Nuove in Venice," an undated print. I'm immediately drawn to the detailed etching, especially how it captures the bustling port. What story does this piece tell, in your opinion? Curator: Let's consider the etching itself as a product of labor. The meticulous process of engraving the copper plate, the materials used, and the printmaking workshop where it was made all contribute to the meaning. How does the print's accessibility influence the consumption and perception of Venice? Editor: So, it's not just the scene, but the act of creating and distributing the image that's significant? Curator: Precisely. The print transforms Venice into a commodity, available for consumption beyond its physical borders. It speaks to the social context of trade and the dissemination of knowledge. This reframes our understanding, doesn't it? Editor: Definitely. I never considered the print itself as part of Venice's story.