Illustration from Adelphi, The Brothers c. 16th century

Editor: This is an illustration from Adelphi, The Brothers, artist unknown. The stark lines and the way the figures are positioned make it seem like a stage setting. What do you make of this work? Curator: I notice the emphasis on line and the repetitive patterns—the drapery, the costumes. It speaks to the process of block printing, the labor involved in carving and reproducing this image. Consider its function: was it meant for a wealthy patron or mass consumption? Editor: So, the limitations of the printing process itself shape the aesthetic? Curator: Precisely. The materials and means of production are not secondary; they're integral to understanding its artistic value and its place in society. What does it tell us about the value of craft versus fine art? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered before. Thanks! Curator: It shifts our focus from individual genius to collective effort.