Twee aanzichten van een sculptuur van Odysseus in het Archeologisch Museum te Venetië 1898

This print depicts a sculpture of Odysseus, though we don’t know exactly when it was made, or by whom. What we can say is that the three-dimensional object was likely carved from marble, then documented in a printed photograph, set amidst a field of text. Consider the qualities of the original sculpture. Stone is heavy, and the sculptor had to reconcile that weight with the dynamic, forward-leaning posture of the figure. Then think about the second translation of the statue, into this printed image. Here, the qualities of light and shadow are captured, flattening the marble into two dimensions, and enabling its reproduction. Printmaking is a means of democratizing art, making it accessible to a wider public, and its effects can be profound. It could be argued that without photography, sculptures like this would remain obscure, seen only by those who could visit the museum, or afford the original object. So, while we appreciate the virtuosity of the original carving, let’s also recognize the power of reproduction, and its own form of artistry.