Fountain near Ariccia c. 19th century

Editor: So, we're looking at "Fountain near Ariccia" by Adrian Ludwig Richter. It's a pretty detailed print, almost looks like it could be a photograph. What strikes me is how different the people's leisurely ride on horseback is from the manual labor of the people near the fountain. What do you see in this contrast? Curator: That's a keen observation. I see a division of labor reflected in the materials used and depicted. Consider the etching process, the skilled labor required to produce this image versus the labor of those at the fountain, drawing water. How does Richter's choice of printmaking, a relatively accessible medium, comment on class and consumption? Editor: That's interesting. I never thought about the process of making the art itself in relation to the subject matter. Curator: Exactly. It's about understanding the social implications embedded in the materials and means of production. Editor: That's a whole new way of seeing art for me!