Jean-Jacques de Mesmes, Comte d'Avaux 1683

Editor: This portrait of Jean-Jacques de Mesmes, Comte d'Avaux, by Antoine Masson, is striking. It's hard to miss all the labor that went into creating such a detailed engraving! What can you tell me about the material aspects of this work? Curator: Consider the engraving process itself. The tools, the skill required to manipulate metal to create such detail, and the consumption of these prints by a specific social class are all key. How does this relate to the subject's own position and power? Editor: So the material and the making of it reflect status and consumption in 17th century France. I see the connection now. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! Thinking about art as a product of labor and social context opens up new avenues for understanding its meaning.