The Egyptians Pursuing the Israelites c. 16th century

Editor: This engraving, "The Egyptians Pursuing the Israelites" by Antonio Tempesta, feels so incredibly detailed. The texture almost makes you feel the chaos. What do you see in this piece, approaching it from a materialist perspective? Curator: Consider the copperplate itself. The labor involved in its creation, the tools, the very act of physically incising the narrative. How does the dissemination of this image through printmaking affect its cultural impact and the consumption of this biblical story? Editor: That's fascinating! So, the printmaking process itself becomes a part of the story? Curator: Precisely. The materiality influences how the narrative reaches its audience and potentially alters the meaning through its accessibility. It moves the story from the realm of singular, precious artworks to a wider, more democratic sphere. Editor: I never thought about it that way. I'm starting to see how the means of production can really shape our understanding. Curator: Indeed!