Flight into Egypt c. 19th century

Editor: Here we have William James Smith’s "Flight into Egypt," an etching which appears to be after Rembrandt. It looks so fragile, almost ephemeral. What stands out to you about the materiality and production of this print? Curator: Considering Smith's "Flight," observe the labor inherent in etching. Each line etched into the plate, the careful application of acid… What does this meticulous process tell us about 19th-century printmaking’s relationship to the art market and artistic skill? Editor: I hadn't thought about the labor in that much detail. It does seem like quite an investment for such a small piece. Curator: Exactly. And how does the act of copying Rembrandt, re-performing his artistry through this labor, influence its value and meaning? Editor: So, it's about understanding the context of how it was made to appreciate it fully. Thanks! Curator: Precisely. Thinking about art as material production opens up so many avenues of inquiry.