Goldsmiths' and Metalsmiths' Designs 1771

Editor: This print, "Goldsmiths' and Metalsmiths' Designs" by Robert Bénard, showcases a range of ornate metalwork. I'm struck by the detail in each item, almost like a catalog of luxury goods. What can you tell me about the context of production for pieces like these? Curator: Looking at this, I see a focus on the labor and materials involved. Consider the sheer skill necessary to produce these designs, especially the intricate engravings. How would the social status of the goldsmiths and metalsmiths influence their craft and the value placed on their creations? Editor: That's a great point, so it is not about the design, but about the process to get there. I guess that changes the appreciation of the piece, right? Curator: Exactly. Think about the consumption of these items too. Who would have owned these objects, and what does that say about the social hierarchy of the time? Understanding this print is about understanding the means of production and the societal structures it reflects. Editor: It’s fascinating to consider the social implications embedded in these designs. Thanks for shifting my perspective!