Luke (from series of the four evangelists) 16th-17th century

Editor: This is Crispijn de Passe’s engraving, "Luke," part of his series of the four evangelists. The fine lines create incredible detail! What strikes you about the material production and context of this piece? Curator: I see a deliberate construction here. De Passe, operating in the print market, chose engraving, a process demanding skilled labor and specific tools. The reproducibility of prints allowed for wider distribution of religious imagery. Editor: So, the material informs its purpose? Curator: Precisely! The print medium challenges the aura of unique, hand-painted religious icons, making it more accessible and potentially impacting religious consumption and devotion. Consider the role of the engraver as a craftsman, and how this accessible medium transformed religious expression. Editor: I hadn't considered the implications of reproducibility! Curator: Thinking about the medium helps us understand the artist's intentions and the work's impact on society. Editor: Thanks, I'll definitely keep materiality in mind now.