Man seen from the Back, holding a Skull in his right Hand 1531 - 1590

Editor: This engraving by Giulio Bonasone, created sometime between 1531 and 1590, is called "Man seen from the Back, holding a Skull in his right Hand." I’m struck by the tension between the meticulously rendered human anatomy and the stark symbolism of the skull. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Looking at this piece through a materialist lens, it prompts us to consider the means of its production. Bonasone's expertise in engraving is evident, demanding skilled labor. The act of creation itself, using metal plates and acid, elevates what might simply be an anatomical study to the realm of art. We need to consider the status attributed to prints as compared to paintings, their role in distributing knowledge and taste more broadly within a given context, and their contribution to a growing economy around artistic consumption. Editor: That's interesting. So, are you suggesting the *making* of the art is as important as *what* it represents? Curator: Precisely. The print wasn’t just about the message or image; it was about labor, skill, and access to materials, like metal and acids. And the availability of this print makes the image accessible to a much broader population. I wonder, to what extent was Bonasone commenting on the rise of mercantile values alongside increased death from the plague? Editor: That’s a darker way of thinking about it. I was stuck on just thinking it was an academic artwork of that time, focusing on classical beauty. Curator: Classical beauty was definitely a selling point, which also factored into that economy of taste! Consider how academic art created hierarchies through skill and classical knowledge. By engaging in production, this art actively participated in, and helped shape the values of its time. Editor: This really helps reframe how I look at art. Thank you! Curator: My pleasure! Always consider the materials, the process, and the hands that made the art.