Wild paard 1577 - 1581

Curator: This etching, “Wild Paard” by Hendrick Goltzius, created between 1577 and 1581, immediately strikes me. The energy in the horse is palpable, even rendered through such precise lines. Editor: It's quite something. The detail, particularly in the horse's mane and the landscape behind it, is incredible. It’s at the Rijksmuseum now. As you say, I find myself so curious about the technique, but I am struggling to know more, What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, it’s the engraving process itself that speaks volumes. Think about the labour involved in creating these lines, each etched with intent. The materiality of the copper plate, the pressure of the burin—all of these aspects contributed to the final image. Editor: I see... so, beyond just the depiction of the horse, you’re focusing on the physical act of making the artwork itself. Does that change your interpretation? Curator: Absolutely. Goltzius was not merely representing a horse; he was also showcasing his mastery over the medium. The print becomes an object of skillful labour, reflecting the values of the artist and the society he was a part of. This skilled production catered to a growing market for prints, consumed by wealthy collectors. Do you see a relationship between the horse as a status symbol and printmaking's affordability for a wider audience? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way, but now that you mention it, yes! The print allows wider access to that symbol of power. Curator: Exactly! It challenges traditional art history’s focus on singular, unique works. It’s not just about high art but considering how skilled artisanship and its product, the print, circulates. Editor: This makes me look at the art-making and artistry in an unexpected new way! Curator: Precisely. This new look should reveal an underlying discourse of labour and commerce, shifting away from the traditional narrative centered on aesthetics.