Replica of the figure of a prophet (c. 1280-90) from the west facade of Strasbourg Cathedral, France c. 1920

Editor: This is a replica of a prophet figure from Strasbourg Cathedral, made around 1280-90. The drapery is incredible! What can you tell me about the materials and the making of this sculpture? Curator: Consider the original context: the Cathedral facade. The labor involved, the quarrying, the carving, the raising of this figure... these were immense undertakings. This replica gives us an opportunity to see the specific materials and processes, which, at the time, also reflected civic and religious power. Editor: So, it’s not just the religious symbolism, but also the sheer effort that communicates power? Curator: Precisely. The materiality speaks volumes about the resources and social organization invested in its creation. Editor: I never thought about it that way. It's fascinating to consider the sculpture as a product of labor and resources. Curator: Indeed, art is never separate from its means of production.