The Romancer c. 18th century

Curator: The Romancer, by Charles Nicolas Cochin l’ainé, is an intriguing print. I'm struck by the labor involved in creating such a detailed image through engraving. What do you make of the social dynamic presented here? Editor: It depicts a seated woman playing a guitar, surrounded by onlookers. It feels a bit staged, almost like a play. How does the material production influence its interpretation? Curator: The print's creation through a mechanical process, like engraving, allows for wider distribution and consumption. This democratizes the image and makes it available to a broader audience, potentially critiquing the aristocratic values it depicts. What does that say about the artist's intent? Editor: That's fascinating, I hadn't considered that the medium itself could be a commentary. Thanks!