Two Sons of Rubens 1752

Editor: Here we have Jean Daullé's "Two Sons of Rubens," an undated engraving at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels very formal, especially the clothes. What draws your eye in this piece? Curator: Immediately, I consider the labor involved in the production of this print. Think about the engraver's skill, translating the original painting into a reproducible image, and the social context of printmaking as a means of disseminating art to a wider audience. What impact did this process have? Editor: So, it’s not just about who is in the image, but how it got made? Curator: Precisely! By examining the materiality and means of production, we can challenge the traditional hierarchy between painting and printmaking, and consider its accessibility and circulation. Editor: That's a great perspective; I hadn't considered the printmaking process itself as part of the meaning.