Flight into Egypt c. 17th century

Editor: This is Johannes Thomas' "Flight into Egypt," an etching, but the date is unknown. The density of the line work is captivating, but I'm also curious about the circumstances of its production. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: The intricate lines, indeed. Consider the labor involved in such detail. How does the artist's process and the tools they employed influence our understanding of this religious scene? Are we meant to admire the skill, or contemplate the narrative? Editor: So the physical act of creating it informs the meaning? Curator: Precisely. The materiality – the ink, the paper, the plate – all contribute to the final product and its reception. What was the intended audience, and how would their socio-economic status shape their interpretation of this print? What have we learned? Editor: I never thought about the economics and audience affecting how the work is viewed.