The Holy Family with Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch 

Editor: This intriguing intaglio print, "The Holy Family with Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch" by Francesco Denanto, it’s just full of figures. The way it's been printed gives the whole scene such a striking intensity, like it’s capturing a very specific moment. What are your thoughts on the printmaking process here, considering its impact? Curator: The act of engraving itself becomes paramount. Notice the artist’s direct engagement with the copperplate. The incised lines, the pressure applied – these choices directly shape the image. Consider this print as an object of exchange. How does its production and dissemination relate to devotional practices and potentially even anxieties about disease, considering the inclusion of saints known for their protection against plague? Editor: So, the very act of creating this work also gives us insight into cultural and religious concerns? Curator: Precisely. It's crucial to investigate who was consuming these images and in what context. Was this mass-produced for wide distribution, or a more limited edition for wealthier patrons? This influences our understanding of its intended purpose and cultural significance. Editor: I hadn't considered the economic aspect of producing and distributing such prints, really fascinating. The line work really does so much heavy lifting. Curator: Yes, think of the labor. Someone had to sit and meticulously engrave this plate. How does the repetitive, almost meditative process of engraving translate into the final devotional image, affecting the viewer’s experience? The material means really impact how we perceive it. Editor: That's given me a lot to think about. Shifting my focus to the material making has completely changed my understanding! Curator: Exactly. It highlights how the making shapes meaning, prompting us to re-evaluate art's connection to culture.