Vertumnus and Pomona; Illustration to Ovid's "Metamorphoses" c. 1767

Editor: Augustin de Saint-Aubin’s illustration, "Vertumnus and Pomona," is so intricate! The detail is incredible. What can you tell me about the process of creating an image like this? Curator: Well, consider the materials. It's an engraving, likely on copper. Think of the labor involved in cutting those fine lines to create the image. The very act of reproduction makes it inherently about distribution and consumption, doesn't it? Editor: So, its purpose isn't just artistic expression but also commerce? Curator: Precisely! And how does the depiction of pastoral life relate to the realities of labor and class in Saint-Aubin's time? Was it a commentary, a celebration, or something else entirely? Editor: That gives me a lot to think about regarding the social implications of its creation and intended audience. Thanks! Curator: Indeed! And the very existence of multiple copies makes the artwork accessible to a broader audience beyond the elite.