The Choir 1807

Editor: This is John Flaxman's "The Choir," and it's interesting because it's just lines, almost like a blueprint. It makes me wonder, what was Flaxman thinking about when he chose to depict it this way? Curator: Flaxman's outlines underscore the industrial process of reproduction. The print medium democratizes access, moving art away from unique, handcrafted objects for the elite. What is gained, and what is lost, in this shift? Editor: So, it's about making art more accessible through reproduction? Curator: Precisely. It invites us to consider the social implications of mass production on art’s value and reception. It's about the labor, the materials, and, ultimately, consumption. Editor: That gives me a lot to think about regarding how we see art today. Curator: Indeed, considering production helps us understand consumption.