Mechanisch concert 1769

Curator: This print, "Mechanisch concert," created in 1769 by Joseph de Longueil after P. Richard, gives us a fascinating peek into the late Baroque era. Editor: My first thought? Claustrophobic opulence. So many bodies crammed into such a confined space! Curator: Absolutely, and I'd add it speaks volumes about the display of wealth and ingenuity at the time. Look at the meticulous engraving, highlighting the detailed interiors and the elaborate mechanical musical instrument itself. Consider the artisanal skill required to produce prints of this complexity. Editor: Good point! It definitely reflects the period’s fascination with automation and technology being intertwined with aristocracy. This wasn’t just about music; it was about demonstrating social and economic power. What were the circumstances of the commissioning of this artwork? Was it displayed privately or intended for wider circulation, reaching more than just an exclusive audience? Curator: "Mechanisch concert" serves as a potent artifact documenting performance practices of that period but it also shows what spaces hosted musical performances. Note the setting, an clearly aristocratic home that's more of a stage set rather than the simple backdrop it appears to be. This creates a stage on which these elites display status, and a wider social network gets drawn in too by such grand scenes. Editor: I find it interesting that we get a "backstage" sense with the figures sitting off on the sidelines. This emphasizes how access to and visibility within this world are granted through the court system as it functions almost like a business network. It almost reminds me of modern product marketing! Curator: Indeed! It gives the work this kind of dualism, but also gives us space to engage with social class in the period which also goes hand-in-hand with accessibility and luxury of certain kinds. What else should audiences consider when coming face-to-face with "Mechanisch concert?" Editor: I encourage people to really think about how technological innovations such as mechanical instruments were framed within existing social hierarchies and power structures of that era. Curator: Yes. The artwork goes far beyond what we view. It has many embedded qualities, ready for all kinds of new conversations.