Venus and Cupid c. 19th century

Editor: This is Michele Bisi's "Venus and Cupid," made sometime in the late 1700s or early 1800s. It's a detailed print, and the figures feel so soft. What can you tell me about the materiality of this piece? Curator: Well, consider the labor involved in creating such a detailed print. The artist used metal plates, ink, and a printing press. The process inherently industrializes art making and democratizes imagery, creating a commodity for a consuming audience. Notice how the artist skillfully rendered flesh and drapery using only line and tone. This elevates the printed image, challenging the traditional hierarchies separating fine art from commercial production. Editor: So, the act of printing itself changes the meaning? Curator: Exactly. The act of reproduction transforms a unique artwork into a multiple, impacting its value and accessibility, and influencing social perceptions. What implications does this have on the perceived value of "high art," and the function and commodification of the image in 19th-century society? Editor: That's really interesting. I'll definitely think about the printing process differently now!