Sainte Famille c. 19th century

Editor: This is Benjamin Damman's "Sainte Famille". I'm struck by the contrast between the delicate figures and the rough texture of the print. What can you tell me about its making? Curator: Considering its materiality, the printmaking process itself becomes a key element. How does the labor involved in creating such a detailed image through etching or engraving affect its value, compared to, say, a painting? Editor: That's interesting! I hadn't thought about the production side influencing its worth. Curator: Exactly. The reproducibility inherent in printmaking allows for wider distribution and consumption, shifting the focus from unique object to accessible commodity. Editor: So, thinking about the process changes how we see the image. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, it illuminates how art is shaped by the means of its production and its intended audience.