Zwei Engel, die ein Kreuz halten 

Editor: This is "Zwei Engel, die ein Kreuz halten" by Francesco Albani, a pen drawing currently held at the Städel Museum. The red chalk gives it a warmth, but I'm curious about the material significance, beyond the aesthetic. What's important about Albani choosing this medium? Curator: Well, consider the economic conditions surrounding Albani. The choice of pen and ink wasn't merely stylistic. These were relatively accessible materials, compared to the oil paints and canvas required for larger, more prestigious commissions. Does this accessibility impact who got to create and who was shut out? Editor: So, the medium dictated not only the art’s appearance but also potentially who could even participate in making art. Curator: Precisely. Also, think about the production of paper itself during Albani's time. Paper wasn't a universal commodity. Where did this paper come from? Was it locally sourced, reflecting a particular regional industry, or imported? We also need to question the symbolism. Angels holding a cross. This has connections to death, religious ritual. Who commissioned the work, and for what purpose? Is it study material or something meant to be publically available? Editor: It's almost like we are investigating the material conditions surrounding not only Albani himself, but even earlier periods. I see it as a sort of archeology to learn the processes involved. Curator: The materiality extends beyond the artist’s hand, it implicates socio-economic conditions that inform subject matter. Editor: I see the picture in a whole new economic context now. I will definitely remember to ask these questions about process when I come across a new work.