The Intrigues of the Church 1807

Editor: Here we have John Flaxman's "The Intrigues of the Church," housed at the Tate. The linear style is striking. What materials were typically used for prints like this, and how might that inform our understanding? Curator: The engraving process itself is crucial. The labor involved, the accessibility of printmaking, and its potential for widespread distribution, all challenge the idea of unique art objects. Consider the social context: what power dynamics are at play in the act of producing and disseminating such a critical image of the Church? Editor: So, the material and the method of creation contribute to the artwork's message. I hadn't considered the print as a form of critique in itself. Curator: Precisely. Examining the means of production opens up new avenues for interpretation. Editor: I'll remember to consider that in my future analysis!