Saint Anthony of Padua c. 17th century

Editor: This etching is Giulio Carpioni’s "Saint Anthony of Padua." The detail is really striking. What's your read on it? Curator: Well, let’s consider the context of production. Etchings like these weren't just art; they were reproducible commodities. Who was buying these, and how did Carpioni's workshop function to produce them? Consider the paper itself, the inks used, and the labor involved. Editor: So, beyond the religious imagery, it’s about the materials and the market? Curator: Exactly! Think about the consumption of religious imagery. Was it about devotion or perhaps display of status? The etching’s materiality tells us a lot about its circulation and use. Editor: I see it now; the meaning is in the making and how it was used. Thanks!