Seat of Wisdom c. 19th century

Curator: I find Giovanni Rivera's "Seat of Wisdom" to be profoundly affecting in its somberness; the monochrome palette and soft lighting give it a feeling of quiet contemplation. Editor: Yes, the tones convey a sense of piety, but I'm drawn to the book itself. What material is it? How was it constructed, bound? Who would have used it? Curator: The image itself references the Virgin Mary, often depicted as the "Seat of Wisdom," a vessel through which divine knowledge is revealed. It's about power and knowledge. Editor: But this is a reproduction, not the original object of devotion. The material reality is an engraving, meant for dissemination, not singular veneration. What social forces drove this form of reproduction? Curator: The distribution of such images would have been used to reinforce particular views of women and religious authority. The means for making copies available is what matters. Editor: Agreed, and examining the labor involved—the engraver's skill, the printer's craft—illuminates a whole network of production. Curator: Contextualizing Rivera's work within its historical and cultural moment highlights how images like these shaped and reinforced societal norms. Editor: Understanding the material processes allows us to connect the image to the economic and social structures that made it possible. Curator: Indeed, and with both perspectives in mind, the artwork comes alive in a new and critical way. Editor: Yes, bridging the spiritual and the material deepens our understanding.