Daedalus en Icarus c. 1572 - 1654

Editor: This engraving, "Daedalus and Icarus," made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum around 1572 to 1654, has such a strangely dreamlike quality. I’m struck by how the idyllic landscape clashes with the tragic event. What strikes you when you look at this work? Curator: What immediately captures my attention is the printmaking process itself. Look at the precise lines, achieved through etching or engraving, that bring this narrative to life. Consider the labour involved. How does the artist translate this famous story of hubris into a mass-producible object? Editor: So, you’re interested in the how more than the why? The story feels secondary? Curator: Not entirely, but let’s consider the context. This print isn’t just depicting a myth; it’s a commodity. It was intended for consumption within a specific social structure, maybe as part of an emblem book, to visually convey wisdom, perhaps a warning. This dramatically alters our interpretation of the subject matter. How is Daedalus's labour of crafting wings meant to be a symbolic act? Editor: That’s fascinating. Thinking about it as a mass-produced object definitely changes my perception. I was so focused on the myth. Curator: Indeed. Now think about the paper it's printed on. Its composition, the way it interacts with the ink…these physical components give texture, dimension, and allow for distribution. The choice of these materials, combined with artistic skill, creates the final image. It's not just about the story; it’s the whole material process. Editor: I hadn't thought about the significance of it being a print so much. I was absorbed by the scene of Icarus falling. Curator: Ultimately, by focusing on the materials, the labor, and the context of production, we see this image isn't just about myth; it reflects broader social and economic currents. Editor: Thanks, I'll definitely look at art through the lens of material and labor from now on!