Birth of Virgin c. 19th century

Editor: This is Antonio Perfetti's "Birth of the Virgin," and it’s hard to tell exactly what material it’s made of. There is something so intimate about its depiction of domesticity. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: Let's consider the means of its production. As a reproductive print, it served to disseminate an image, connecting the wealthy who could afford originals with a broader audience. What kind of labor went into crafting this image, and how did its consumption shape social values? Editor: So, it's less about artistic genius and more about the social impact of making art accessible? Curator: Precisely. Examining the labor involved in its creation reveals much about the social context and the values it perpetuated. It's a window into the industrialization of art and its role in shaping cultural norms. Editor: That’s a fascinating way to think about it, shifting focus from the artist’s hand to the whole system of production.