Descent from the Cross 18th-19th century

Editor: This is Valentine Green's "Descent from the Cross," currently at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a print, and the scene feels so heavy, both emotionally and compositionally. What can you tell me about the materiality of this print and its context? Curator: As a print, its accessibility differs dramatically from a painting. We must consider the labour involved in creating the plate, the cost of materials, and who could afford such an image. Also, consider the engraver’s skill in translating texture and light. The artist’s labour and the cost to acquire such an image shifts the social value. Editor: That's really interesting. I hadn't thought about the printmaking process in such a material way. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Hopefully you will think about labour and process more critically.