Plate LXIV 18th-19th century

Editor: This is "Plate LXIV" by Jacques-Francois-Joseph Swebach, currently housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It seems to be some kind of line drawing. It's interesting how he has depicted horses, and the details he chose to highlight. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Well, focusing on the materiality, consider the likely availability of paper and ink at the time. The labor involved in creating the printing plate, and who might have commissioned or purchased such an image. What was the social status of owning horses, and how does this image reflect that? Editor: So, it’s less about the aesthetic value of the horses and more about understanding the social and economic context? Curator: Precisely. Thinking about its place in the system of production and consumption is key. Editor: That's a helpful perspective. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure, it's a different way of seeing, isn't it?