John, King of England 

Curator: Here we have a print titled "John, King of England." It is attributed to Anonymous and uses the engraving technique. Editor: The immediate impression is one of austere authority, but almost undermined by the fineness of the lines – as if woven rather than boldly etched. It makes me think of something made with patience, by many hands maybe. Curator: An interesting observation, the means of production for printed portraits like these would involve skilled laborers, from the draughtsman who creates the initial design to the engraver who meticulously carves the image into a metal plate. And don't forget the printer and distributor; it’s a small industry surrounding one image. Editor: Right, this piece must be considered in the context of the rise of print culture and the dissemination of royal imagery. Think about the role these images played in shaping public perception of monarchy, and even propagating an idea of English national identity! This wouldn’t only be displayed in elite galleries; this would be available for common consumption. Curator: Absolutely! It challenges this romanticized image of solitary artistic genius, drawing our attention instead to a collective enterprise focused on the labor inherent in producing something, where each process requires individual craftsmanship. Think about how this relates to other consumer goods of the era. Were they trying to give nobility and power a "brand" to increase consumption, similar to trends of the day? Editor: Good point, while portraiture traditionally reinforced hierarchical power structures, prints allowed for wider accessibility, creating opportunities for both affirmation and subversion of royal authority, perhaps? Imagine the conversations these sparked! Did these contribute to King John's historical standing, I wonder? Curator: Yes! The act of consuming and circulating these images also transforms them, imbuing the materiality with meanings and purpose that may differ greatly from the creator's original intentions, such as its role to advertise prestige in dress and manufacture. Editor: Ultimately, understanding the image of "John, King of England" requires acknowledging its place in a complex historical landscape, and what role it played in the political theatre. Curator: Indeed, let’s remember the intricate connections between labor, material, and meaning making when observing pieces such as this engraving.