Nicolaus L'Archer, abbas Cistercii 1693

Editor: Here we have Nicolas Bazin’s portrait of Nicolaus L'Archer, the abbot of Cistercii. It's a print, and I'm curious about the process of its making. What can you tell me about this work? Curator: Well, considering its materiality, the printmaking process itself would have involved significant labor and skill. Think about the engraver meticulously carving the image into a metal plate and the layers of labor involved in reproducing this image in multiples. Editor: So, the value isn't just in the image, but in the process of its creation and distribution. How does that shift our understanding? Curator: Exactly! It challenges traditional notions of the unique art object. Consider how the materials and the social context of production are just as crucial as the subject portrayed. Editor: That’s a fascinating perspective. It really broadens how I see the value of this work.