Heraldic Device with Shield and Lion c. 1876 - 1878

Editor: Here we have Charles Herbert's "Heraldic Device with Shield and Lion." It feels very graphic and bold. How do you interpret this work, focusing on its material construction? Curator: Well, heraldry was a booming industry; understanding the socio-economic context is crucial. The materials, likely ink and watercolor, were relatively accessible, allowing for wider dissemination of these symbols of power. How does the use of these materials reflect the intended audience? Editor: So, the choice of readily available materials democratized the heraldic imagery to some extent? Curator: Precisely! It shifts our understanding from unique artwork to mass-produced commodity. Recognizing this allows us to consider the labor involved and the purpose of the craft. Editor: Interesting! I never considered heraldry through a material lens. Curator: Seeing art through its materials always reveals something new.