Scévole de Sainte-Marthe c. 17th century

Editor: This is Gérard Edelinck's portrait of Scévole de Sainte-Marthe. I'm intrigued by the intricate details achieved through engraving. What can you tell me about the materiality and production of this print? Curator: The means of production are paramount here. Consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed engraving. The social context is also key. Prints like these circulated widely, shaping perceptions of Sainte-Marthe. How might the consumption of this image reinforce social hierarchies? Editor: So, the print isn't just a portrait, but also an object that participates in a larger system of labor and social power? Curator: Precisely. Understanding the materials and their distribution reveals the socio-economic networks in play. Editor: That's fascinating. I never thought about prints in that way before. Curator: Examining art through its material production offers fresh insights.