Visitation c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have François de Poilly the Elder’s “Visitation,” a print at the Harvard Art Museums. The medium creates such intricate detail, especially in the textures of the robes. What can you tell me about the making of this work? Curator: Let’s consider the economics of printmaking during this period. Who was the target audience? The relatively cheap, reproducible nature of prints made religious imagery accessible to a wider audience beyond the wealthy elite. Editor: So, you're saying that the artist's choice of printmaking reflects the intention to engage with a larger population through the mass production of images? Curator: Exactly. The labor involved in creating the printing plate, the distribution networks, and the consumption of these images offer a new view of religious devotion. Editor: I hadn't considered that. Thank you.