Saint Eustace (reduced reverse copy in oval) 1485 - 1528

Editor: So, this engraving is a reduced copy of Albrecht Dürer's "Saint Eustace," created sometime between 1485 and 1528. The detail is amazing for a print, especially considering the tools they used back then. What really stands out to me is how the whole scene, with the dogs, the horse, even the castle in the back, seems to be contributing to this story around the hunter and the deer with the cross. How do you read this piece? Curator: Well, it’s essential to consider Dürer’s workshop. Engravings like this weren’t just artistic expressions; they were commodities, reproduced and sold. The level of detail wasn't simply about aesthetics; it was a display of technical skill, craftsmanship, and the potential for marketability. Think about the paper itself, the ink, the labor involved in production, and how the finished product would circulate. Editor: That's interesting, framing it in terms of production. So the choice of subject, St. Eustace, that plays into the market, too? Curator: Absolutely. Religious imagery had a ready audience, but Dürer also inserts elements of the everyday – hunting, animals. The social context is everything; it reflected the concerns and interests of his potential buyers and was created within very tight constrains and long apprenticeships. He uses new methods that allowed printmakers to achieve detail and quality which enabled him to sell many prints to wide audiences. This shows a market revolution during the renaissance period. What about the composition stands out to you? Editor: Now that I'm considering your materialist viewpoint, I notice how Dürer focuses so sharply on the surface textures – the horse’s harness, the dog’s fur, the castle brick, and also notice the lack of naturalism which points to its method of production using metal. It's less about representing reality and more about showcasing what his process is capable of creating using engraving. It really changes how I see the work! Curator: Exactly! Seeing it as an object produced within a specific economic and social context provides valuable insights beyond simply admiring its beauty or religious meaning. Thank you for considering a materialist view.