The Owner of the Vineyard Paying the Laborers 1553

Editor: Here we have Cornelis Cort's "The Owner of the Vineyard Paying the Laborers," an engraving. The stark contrast between light and shadow really emphasizes the figures. What can you tell me about the making of this piece? Curator: The printmaking process is crucial here. Consider the labor involved in creating the matrix, the press, and the paper itself. How does the act of reproduction democratize this biblical scene, making it accessible for consumption? Editor: So, the medium changes the message, perhaps? Curator: Precisely. The engraving transforms the narrative into a commodity, reflecting economic structures of Cort's time. What implications arise from this shift in context and materiality? Editor: That's a fascinating point, it really changes how I see the image.