The Raising of Lazarus 1630

Editor: This is Jan Lievens' "The Raising of Lazarus." It's an etching. I'm struck by the contrast between the darkness on the left and the radiant light emanating from Christ. What can you tell me about the production of this print? Curator: Look closely at the etched lines. Notice how Lievens uses varied line weights and densities. This speaks to the process, the labor involved in creating these visual effects. Consider the etcher's access to materials, like metal plates and acids. The social context is key. Editor: So, the materials and labor shaped the final artwork? Curator: Absolutely. Etching allowed for multiples, expanding access to religious imagery. What about the consumption of such images by different social classes? Editor: That's a completely different way of understanding the image. It is more than just religious. Curator: Precisely. It's about the means of production and its impact on society.