Saint John as a Boy c. 18th century

Curator: This is Stefano Mulinari’s "Saint John as a Boy." Editor: The sepia tones create a wonderful sense of depth and drama. The draping is lovely. Curator: Mulinari was an 18th-century artist, well-known for his reproductive engravings, especially those of paintings in the Florentine collections. This work is a prime example of that. Editor: Exactly. It makes one wonder about the labor involved in reproducing these images, and the social implications of disseminating art in this manner. Who was buying these images? How were they being used? Curator: That is an excellent point. These reproductions broadened access to art. The politics of imagery and the role of the image in shaping public perception were definitely impacted. Editor: The materiality, though, also says so much. It's an engraving, so we should consider the tools, paper, inks...the whole process of mechanical reproduction! Curator: Indeed. By considering both the social and material aspects, we gain a richer understanding of the piece. Editor: Absolutely. It offers a glimpse into the artistic production and consumption of its time.