The Virgin of the Pistole c. 16th century

Editor: This is Pietro Aquila's engraving, *The Virgin of the Pistole.* I'm struck by the sheer volume of figures rendered with such detail in this monochrome work. What do you see in this piece beyond the obvious religious iconography? Curator: I see a complex interplay of labor and value. Consider the cost, skill, and time involved in producing this engraving. Each line etched into the plate represents labor, and the final print was likely circulated within a network of patronage and consumption. How does understanding the production process influence our perception of its religious subject? Editor: That’s a great point! Thinking about the physical labor changes how I view it. So, it’s not just about faith, but also about the economic and social systems supporting its creation. Thanks! Curator: Exactly! Considering materiality and production methods challenges traditional art historical narratives.