Night, after Thorwaldsen c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have Luigi Pichler's "Night, after Thorwaldsen", a tiny, round piece only 4.6 cm in diameter. The carving feels so delicate. What can you tell me about the context of its creation? Curator: Pichler, working in the early 19th century, was deeply engaged with the means of production. The intaglio, its material, and size speak to a culture of mass production and reproduction. Think about it as a commodity, circulated and consumed. How does that change your perspective? Editor: It definitely makes me think about its value differently. It's no longer just a precious object, but something more accessible. Curator: Precisely. Examining these objects through the lens of labor and consumption reveals the social fabric of its time. I’ve learned a lot from this perspective. Editor: Me too! I will definitely be applying a materialist lens to my future art explorations.