The Last Hour of Baroness Rebecque 1780

Editor: This is Augustin de Saint-Aubin's print of "The Last Hour of Baroness Rebecque." The meticulous detail and the baroness's elaborate attire are striking. What can you tell me about it? Curator: Consider the labor involved in producing this print. The Baroness’s garments indicate consumption and privilege, which also supports the printmaking industry. The social context of grief and remembrance becomes a commodity itself. Editor: So the print's value lies not just in its artistry, but in its connection to material culture and social status? Curator: Precisely. The print embodies social dynamics related to production, consumption, and remembrance in 18th-century France. Editor: I never thought about prints in this way before. I'll definitely keep that in mind as I explore more art.