Lessenaar in de vorm van een adelaar en een lessenaar in de vorm van een pelikaan before 1880

Editor: So, this print from before 1880 depicts two lecterns, one shaped like an eagle and the other a pelican, seemingly crafted from metal. They’re imposing and have this Gothic feel. I'm curious, what strikes you about these particular objects? Curator: What grabs me is the evident labor and materials involved. Think of the crafting required. The metalwork, the engraving to create this image itself... What was the social position of those who labored to make this? These weren't mass-produced. Each form represents a significant investment in time and skill, probably commissioned by a religious institution. How does their construction inform our understanding of the societal values of the period? Editor: I see your point. It's not just about the aesthetic but the entire production chain, so to speak. How does considering the materials change how we view what these objects were *for*? Curator: Absolutely. The choice of metal itself – its durability, its potential for ornate detailing - speaks to a desire for permanence and a display of power. These lecterns aren't simply functional; they're statements about the church’s authority. Considering their weight and complexity, we might even think about the restrictions they placed on those who used and moved them. Who was physically able to interact with these objects, and who was excluded? Editor: So by examining the materials and means of production, we see beyond just religious symbolism, right? It opens up discussions of labor, societal power structures, and even accessibility. Curator: Exactly. We move beyond symbolic meaning to understand the concrete conditions of artmaking and the cultural implications inherent in these specific forms. It prompts questions about the broader context of artistic production. Editor: That makes so much sense. I’ll definitely look at artworks through a material lens more often now. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure, that is a very rewarding point of view to adopt for any art student!