En gammel mand og to yngre 1741

Editor: So, this is "An old man and two younger men," an engraving in ink made in 1741 by Michael Fosie. I'm immediately drawn to the way the old man is so much larger and imposing compared to the other two. How do you interpret the relationship dynamics at play here? Curator: Well, let’s think about this engraving in the context of 18th-century societal structures. Notice the difference in attire, and especially how that older man is positioned higher on a rock or mound. Consider this genre painting as a potential commentary on hierarchical power—the older figure elevated not just physically, but perhaps also socially and economically. What stories were these images trying to tell a public that was, itself, also increasingly aware of social stratification? Editor: That’s fascinating. I hadn't considered the staging of it as a deliberate commentary on power dynamics. The clothing definitely suggests different social classes too, doesn’t it? Curator: Precisely. Fosie created this for a viewing public. The figures are in 'costume'. This suggests that his goal was something akin to documentary - the "illustration" of observed "real" individuals as understood as "types". And in that sense he engages directly with both historical trends and the evolution of national artistic styles. Would you agree? Editor: Yes, that makes sense. Thinking about it that way makes the image much more engaging. It's like a snapshot of a social hierarchy, deliberately staged for our viewing. Curator: Absolutely. And keep in mind the engraving medium itself makes the work highly accessible. So, Fosie is not just depicting a social hierarchy but participating in one. Through prints like these, imagery and social norms circulate. I think understanding it historically really adds a rich dimension to viewing the work, right? Editor: Definitely. Now I see how the work can act almost as a time capsule! I hadn't fully considered the medium's role either, thanks. Curator: Exactly! Context, culture and an awareness of artistic distribution make an impact.