Maaltijd te Emmaüs c. 1764 - 1766

Curator: This print, "Maaltijd te Emmaüs" or "The Meal at Emmaus," by Pierre Chenu, dates roughly to 1764-1766 and offers a glimpse into 18th-century printmaking techniques through engraving and etching. Look closely at the textures he achieves! Editor: My first impression is shock. The scene, bathed in stark light, almost assaults you. There's such a strong emotional narrative conveyed in the body language of the figures around the table. They’re really caught up in a moment of surprise and maybe even disbelief. Curator: Absolutely. Let’s delve into that materiality. The act of engraving itself, carving into the metal plate, reflects a deliberate, laborious process. Each line, each shadow, is a product of physical labor—think of the working conditions of printmakers during this era. It’s all about the access and affordability, as opposed to the cost of paintings and large-scale art that wasn't available to many. Editor: Right. And situated within its time, what does this choice of depicting this biblical scene, the revelation of Christ to his disciples at Emmaus, signify socially? Consider how religion was interwoven with power dynamics. Curator: Think about distribution. Prints were disseminated widely, serving as vehicles for not only art but also for religious and political messaging. How many workshops reproduced similar imagery, creating variations on this theme? The copy of a copy of a copy. Editor: It definitely reminds us that images were, and still are, a powerful way to disseminate particular ideologies to a mass audience, especially concerning religious authority. That brilliance radiating from the figure of Christ almost functions like a divine spotlight, directing focus. Who is truly empowered in the narrative? Chenu also prompts discussion around salvation. Curator: The quality of line, the precise rendering of form through hatching and cross-hatching; this speaks to the artisan’s skill. I am thinking of other artwork being done and the time. Editor: The etching really amplifies that sense of dramatic unfolding. But it makes me think about the stories the work tells, how identity and narrative intertwine, and where the echoes of this image still resound today. Curator: Well, it is clear to me that understanding his tools of labor opens doors of insight into the context surrounding such a remarkable piece! Editor: It makes us reconsider our understanding of salvation stories through the ages. Thank you!