Fresh Wind c. 18th century

Editor: This is "Fresh Wind," an etching by Pierre Charles Canot. I find the turbulent sea and sky really striking. What can you tell me about how it was made and what that process might mean? Curator: Considering the engraving process, we should think about the labor involved. Engravings like this were often reproduced to be widely available, democratizing access to art. How does that challenge our traditional ideas of high art? Editor: So, the value isn't just in the image itself, but also in its accessibility and the work involved in creating it? Curator: Exactly! And what does it say about the role of the artist when their work is designed for mass consumption? Editor: I see. It shifts the focus from individual genius to the system of artistic production. Curator: Precisely.