Battle Abbey c. 19th century

Editor: This print, "Battle Abbey," by Best et Cie, shows riders approaching a large fortified abbey. It's quite detailed, and the textures are remarkable. What do you see when you look at this piece? Curator: I see a fascinating interplay between labor, capital, and historical representation. The printmaking process itself involves skilled labor to reproduce an image of power and religious authority. Consider the materials: ink, paper, the printing press. Who had access to these tools? Editor: So you're saying the print is not just about the abbey itself, but also about the means of its production and distribution? Curator: Precisely. The consumption of this image, its circulation, tells us about the social context. Who was the intended audience, and what did they value? Editor: That gives me a lot to think about regarding how art reflects the material conditions of its time! Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Considering the historical context of production deepens our understanding of the artwork.