Pietà 18th-19th century

Editor: This is Jean Godefroy's "Pietà," an engraving. The stark contrast between light and shadow really emphasizes the sorrowful mood. What stands out to you? Curator: As a materialist, I'm drawn to consider the labor involved in creating this print. Think of the engraver's skill in manipulating metal to produce these gradations of tone. How does this reproductive medium influence our understanding of the subject matter? Editor: That's fascinating. I hadn't considered the role of the engraver's labor so explicitly. Curator: And consider how prints like these circulated, making religious imagery accessible and influencing devotional practices. What is consumed and how? Editor: So, the "Pietà" becomes more than just a religious scene; it's a product of skilled labor, social context, and consumption. Thanks for sharing your insights.