The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist 1575

Editor: This is Diana Scultori's "The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist," made sometime in the 16th century. I'm struck by the artist's skill in engraving so much detail. What can you tell me about the materials and the process of making this print? Curator: Consider how Scultori, as a woman in the 16th century, accessed the means of production. Engraving, traditionally a male domain, provided her an avenue to create and circulate her own designs, leveraging the reproductive nature of printmaking. The materiality of the copper plate itself and the labor involved challenge established artistic hierarchies. Editor: That's a great point. So, you're saying that the very act of her making this print was a statement in itself? Curator: Precisely. Her choice of this medium, combined with the religious subject matter, reveals a complex negotiation of gender, skill, and market demand. It makes you wonder about the audience and the social context of its consumption. Editor: I never thought about it that way. Now I see the print not just as a religious scene but also as a document of labor and social positioning. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, examining the materials and processes gives insight into the artist's agency and the work's cultural impact.