Adoration of the Kings c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Domenico Cunego's "Adoration of the Kings," currently residing in the Harvard Art Museums. The tonal range in this print is quite striking. Editor: Indeed, there’s an immediate sense of reverence. The contrast between light and shadow certainly directs our gaze. What can you tell me about its production? Curator: Cunego, born in 1726, was a master of engraving, using precise lines to translate the original artwork—presumably a painting—into a reproducible format. The lines themselves denote shape and form! Editor: Engraving allowed for wider circulation, democratizing art. It’s fascinating how this labor-intensive process made art more accessible. Curator: Absolutely. The materiality of the print—the paper, the ink, the engraved plate—speaks to its role in disseminating visual culture. Editor: I agree, and tracing the formal qualities shows us how much meaning a single image can hold. Curator: Seeing the artwork this way gives me a fresh perspective on 18th-century art production. Editor: As well as a deeper understanding of pictorial communication.