Pietà c. 17th century

Editor: Here we have Frans van der Steen's "Pietà" etching. The textures created by the etching process are remarkable. What can you tell me about this print? Curator: Considering the means of production, this etching allowed for wider distribution. The image, originally a symbol of elite religious devotion, could reach a broader audience through this reproductive technology. How does this accessibility affect the work's reception? Editor: That's a great point! I didn't think about how the reproduction changes its social impact. Curator: Exactly. And consider the materials - the paper, the ink. They are commodities embedded in systems of trade and labor. Understanding those aspects helps us unravel the meaning of this Pietà beyond its religious symbolism. Editor: I've never thought of the economics of art before. Thanks for opening my eyes!