Goat and Sow Possibly 1920

Editor: This is Richard Seewald’s etching, Goat and Sow. I'm intrigued by the seemingly simple composition, but I wonder about his choice of subject matter and printmaking technique. What stands out to you when you look at this piece? Curator: The etching process itself interests me. Consider the labor involved in creating the plate, the acid's bite, and the controlled application of ink. It speaks to a specific mode of production. How might the choice of this medium impact the artwork's accessibility and value? Editor: I see what you mean, there’s a deliberate choice in material and technique. I hadn't considered how the printmaking process influenced its accessibility. Curator: Exactly. The multiple impressions enabled by printmaking democratize the image, making it available to a wider audience than a unique painting might reach. Thinking about the social context, who was this art intended for? Editor: That’s a great question, and it gives me a lot to consider! Curator: It is vital to see how materiality and social factors converge and shape our understanding of art!