Old Man Giving Advice to Four Women c. 18th century

Editor: This is "Old Man Giving Advice to Four Women" by Philibert Benoit de Larue. It looks like an etching. I'm struck by the contrast between the rough, aged figure of the man and the softer depiction of the women. What's your take on this piece? Curator: It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of labor and social hierarchy. Consider the materials: etching, a readily reproducible medium, speaks to its accessibility. How might its production and distribution reflect the intended audience and the message conveyed about labor and virtue? Editor: So, you're saying the medium itself is part of the message? I never thought about it that way before. Curator: Exactly. Think about the labor involved in creating both the artwork and the implied labor in the scene itself. The materials and their manipulation are never neutral. What do you think the banner held by the angel above them may mean? Editor: It seems to be giving some context to the old man and women as "peasants of virtue." That's a new way to look at things. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, the convergence of subject matter and production reveals the social context deeply embedded in the artwork.