Orestes c. 18th century

Editor: This is Pierre Louis Surugue's print, "Orestes." I’m struck by the detail achieved in such a small format, and the intensity of the figures. What can you tell me about its production and the context in which it was made? Curator: Well, consider the labor involved in creating this etching. The artist meticulously worked with metal, acid, and ink. Think about the socioeconomic factors: who commissioned it, who was the intended audience, and what materials were available? Editor: So, it's not just about the story, but also about the physical and social processes that brought it into existence. I hadn't considered it that way before! Curator: Exactly! By examining those factors, we can better understand the work's value and its place in society.