Madonna and Child 1925

Editor: Here we have Eric Gill's "Madonna and Child," a small wood engraving. The stark contrast creates such a powerful image, but what strikes me most is the labor-intensive nature of the printmaking process. What do you make of this piece? Curator: Notice how Gill's engagement with the physical demands of wood engraving directly informs the final image. He elevates craft. Can we consider how this challenges traditional art hierarchies? Editor: That's interesting. So, the medium itself becomes part of the message, highlighting the value of skilled labor? Curator: Precisely. We see the means of production embedded within the aesthetic experience, prompting us to rethink artistic value. Editor: I never thought of it that way before. It makes you appreciate the work and skill involved. Curator: And the broader social context of labor and materiality surrounding its creation. Food for thought!