Plant Fantasy c. 18th century

Editor: This is Jeanne Deny's "Plant Fantasy," from around the late 18th century, held at the Harvard Art Museums. It has such a whimsical feel. What stands out to you about its composition? Curator: The print reveals a lot about the means of production during Deny's time. Consider the paper itself – its source, manufacture, and how those processes might have shaped the final image. Editor: That's interesting. How did the materials influence the art? Curator: The etching process allowed for mass production and dissemination of designs to artisans and craftspeople. Think about who would have bought this and how they might have used it as a template for embroidery or furniture design, perhaps. It speaks to the broader social context of design and consumption. Editor: I never considered that it might be used for other crafts. Thanks for the insight. Curator: Glad to share this material perspective.