Catharina wordt in de hemel opgenomen 1603

Curator: This intaglio print, "Catharina wordt in de hemel opgenomen" made in 1603 by Cornelis Galle I, shows Saint Catherine being received into Heaven. What stands out to you initially? Editor: I’m struck by how intricate the engraving is! There's so much detail, from the textures of the clouds to the expressions on the figures’ faces. How does the medium influence our understanding of the artwork's meaning? Curator: Let's consider the labour involved. Intaglio, especially engraving, is a highly skilled, labor-intensive process. The artist's hand is crucial in transferring the image to the plate, demanding great precision and time. The image becomes less about immediate inspiration, and more about crafted execution and the value we assign to such meticulous craft. What are your thoughts on the societal implications of such production? Editor: I guess because it's labor-intensive it also signifies value - like this image is of particular worth or importance because so much time was put into it? Does that relate to the way people saw prints, and how accessible they were? Curator: Precisely! The very act of engraving, making multiples, opens avenues for wider distribution but simultaneously reinforces notions of value derived from skill and exclusivity of craft traditions. How might the social status of those who commissioned or acquired such prints factor into our understanding of their meaning? Editor: Right, so while prints can be widely disseminated, the cultural capital associated with owning them, because of their crafted nature, perhaps limited their reach. So what did you make of it, reflecting on the making? Curator: Looking at it through a materialist lens shows the piece reflects social structures surrounding production and consumption during its time. It gives weight to how art production intertwines skill, materials, and economic value within its cultural milieu. Editor: Thanks, it's fascinating to consider how much the production of something impacts its significance. Curator: Agreed! It's a powerful reminder that even seemingly ethereal subjects are grounded in tangible realities.