César, Cardinal d'Estrées, Evêque-Duc de Laon 1660

Editor: This is Robert Nanteuil's portrait of "César, Cardinal d'Estrées" - an engraving. I’m struck by the detail achieved through the printmaking process. What can you tell me about the choices of material and method in this image? Curator: The engraving medium itself is crucial. Printmaking allowed for the mass production and distribution of this image. It speaks volumes about the Cardinal’s status and the consumption of such portraits by a particular social class, wouldn't you say? Editor: That's a good point - the means of production dictated the image's accessibility. I hadn't considered the role of consumerism. Thank you! Curator: Indeed. Considering the labor and materiality changes how we view this artwork.