Balthus Turned to Stone 1696

Curator: Look at this engraving by Crescenzio Onofri, titled "Balthus Turned to Stone," dating back to 1696. Editor: My initial thought is how serene yet uncanny it feels. The meticulous lines create such an open space, almost theatrical. The monochrome tones, though, give it a strangely timeless quality. Curator: The scene captures the mythical narrative of Battus, turned to stone for revealing Mercury's theft. Look how Mercury carries off what is believed to be a sacred cow. It reflects the Renaissance revival of classical mythology. Note that Mercury also holds the caduceus, another key symbol related to trade and negotiation, emphasizing wealth as the reward. Editor: I find myself focusing more on the 'how' rather than the 'why'. Imagine the labor invested in engraving those incredibly fine lines. The material reality – the copper plate, the ink, the pressure required – speaks of craft and meticulous labor practices specific to that historical moment. Did Onofri engrave the copper plate himself? What tools did he use to get such delicate and crisp lines? Curator: It speaks to the cultural memory it sought to construct, as we are still remembering these events today by viewing this artifact. The figure of Battus, turning to stone, it's all about the transformation. Metamorphosis is a constant theme within these myths, but look, also, how landscape gains power to illustrate morality in graphic form. Editor: Exactly. Consider the social networks involved, from the engraver and artist, to the patrons and distributors. The print wouldn't exist outside that context, but neither will Onofri's access to materials. That’s where I find a far richer story of knowledge, dissemination and consumption than just one mythological tale. Curator: And that consumption brings us full circle; our continuous engagement is how these works maintain significance. Editor: True, although the conditions of how they are shown now will drastically transform these works in our mind's eyes. Curator: These stories have a powerful reach—they extend their hand across time. Editor: The endurance rests equally within the method, and the hands creating and trading.