The Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple 1728 - 1781

Editor: Here we have Ubaldo Gandolfi's "The Presentation of the Virgin Mary in the Temple," created sometime between 1728 and 1781. It's an ink drawing on paper. It strikes me as quite dramatic, even theatrical, with the swirling clouds and figures gesturing upwards. What are your initial thoughts? Curator: My attention is drawn to the labor and materiality that define this print. The paper itself, likely hand-laid, would have been a valuable commodity. Notice, too, the relationship between Gandolfi’s virtuoso handling of ink and the broader Bolognese tradition. The lines almost have an etched quality. It raises interesting questions about production: Was this a study for a larger painting, or intended as a final product in itself? Editor: That's fascinating! I hadn't considered the economic aspect of the materials. The way you describe it, the drawing transforms from just an image to an object of labour and value. Curator: Exactly. And consider the consumption: who would have been able to afford such an item? What were the social networks that enabled Gandolfi to obtain his materials? These drawings allowed for the circulation of images, fostering a devotional culture connected to artistic production. The print then enables this circulation across Europe, fostering these networks and ideas. What might it tell us about religious patronage during that time? Editor: So, by looking at the paper, the ink, and who had access to it, we understand this image not just as art, but as a product of its time, reflective of economic and social structures. Curator: Precisely. It challenges this notion of high art, placing value on artisanal modes of production and access. I’ve learned something today about reconsidering this piece with your questions. Editor: Me too, I never would have thought about it that way. Thanks for sharing!