Saint Louis presenting his sword to Christ, after a ceiling design 1755 - 1790

Curator: The Cochin print, "Saint Louis presenting his sword to Christ, after a ceiling design", executed between 1755 and 1790, presents an intriguing intersection of power and faith. The etching medium, combined with the circular design, suggests a broader cultural perspective. What strikes you about this work? Editor: The sheer number of figures packed into the circular composition is quite something! It gives the scene a feeling of grand drama. What do you see in this piece? Curator: As a materialist, I immediately focus on the means of its production and circulation. This print, after a ceiling design, wasn't just made; it was reproduced. Consider the labor involved in creating the etching plates, the social context of its production in 18th-century France, and how prints like this helped to disseminate aristocratic imagery beyond a single painted ceiling. What power dynamics are at play here, who is consuming this image, and what message were they meant to extract from this piece of art? Editor: That’s a really interesting point. It takes away from the “aura” of a unique art object and makes it reproducible, more accessible… a commodity, even? Curator: Precisely! And this is an allegory - think about the intended symbolism in rendering St. Louis’ submission. By etching and printing that scene, you not only disseminate, you also create multiple versions for different potential ‘masters’ of power; this takes away from the aura of religious awe. Consider, too, the difference between this piece existing as part of a palatial interior versus an object that is made to be disseminated, sold and exchanged; these uses suggest completely different social spheres and contexts, therefore very different interpretations of it as a piece. Editor: It’s amazing how shifting the focus to production and materials can open up entirely new ways of thinking about the work. I learned to see the artwork with other eyes, paying more attention to the society in which it exists, and understanding the role that craftsmanship has in establishing new paradigms in culture. Curator: Indeed. And that awareness of materiality and production brings us closer to understanding the social life of art.