Bacchanalian Dance c. 19th century

Editor: This is Robert Cooper’s "Bacchanalian Dance," and while the date's unknown, he was active around the turn of the 18th century. It's a print, with lots of bodies intertwined. What stands out to you? Curator: I notice the clear emphasis on production. This print served as a medium for circulating classical themes to a wider audience. Consider the labour involved in engraving and the societal desire for these images. Editor: So, it's less about the mythological scene itself, and more about how Cooper is replicating and distributing it? Curator: Precisely. Think about the cost of the paper, the engraver's time, and the market for such images. These factors dictated its creation, and who could access it. Editor: I never considered art consumption from that point of view. It adds a whole new layer to the image. Curator: Indeed. By examining the means of production, we see beyond the surface narrative.