Tour de Beurre c. 20th century

Editor: This is Donald Shaw MacLaughlan's "Tour de Beurre," a really detailed etching. The tower seems to dominate the whole scene. What stands out to you? Curator: The etching process itself is key. MacLaughlan is manipulating a material – the metal plate – through labor to create multiple impressions. How does this method democratize art, making it more accessible beyond a single collector? Editor: So, the value shifts from a unique object to a repeatable image? Curator: Precisely! Consider also the consumption of images, the rise of print culture... these prints circulated widely, shaping perceptions of Rouen. Editor: That's a totally different way to think about it. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It highlights the interplay between art, labor, and its role in broader society.