Travelling Musicians c. 1635

Editor: Here we have Rembrandt van Rijn's etching, "Travelling Musicians." It's quite small, and the figures are rendered with such fine lines. What can you tell us about Rembrandt's process here? Curator: Notice the layered etching lines, almost a feverish activity. Rembrandt, ever the businessman, used etching to disseminate his artistry. It democratized art-making, allowing for multiples and broader consumption. The plate itself becomes a site of production and labor. Editor: So, the value isn't just in the image, but in the means of its creation and distribution? Curator: Precisely. Think about the social context: how does the availability of prints impact the art market and Rembrandt's own agency as an artist? Editor: I hadn’t considered that! Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about.