The Muse Polyhymnia, after antiquity c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have "The Muse Polyhymnia, after antiquity," a small-scale artwork crafted by the Pichler family. The dimensions are so tiny! What strikes me is how the material and production process influence our perception of this classical subject. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The materiality speaks volumes. This isn’t monumental marble; it's a miniature, potentially cast or molded. Considering the Pichler family, we must ask: What workshop practices were involved? Was this piece intended for mass production, consumption, and display in a domestic setting, democratizing access to classical ideals? Editor: That's a fascinating reframing. I hadn't considered the implications of the production on such a small scale. Curator: Exactly! It makes you consider the labor involved in replicating and disseminating classical imagery. Editor: I see the piece in a new light now. Thanks for pointing out the nuances. Curator: My pleasure. Materiality always has a story to tell.