Sir Galahad (from Tennyson's Poems, New York, 1903) 1857 - 1903

This is Dante Gabriel Rossetti's "Sir Galahad", an illustration from Tennyson's Poems, printed in New York in 1903. It’s made using wood engraving, a technique where an image is carved into the end grain of a block of wood, then printed. The dense network of lines create the image, with their precision and tonal control. The process of wood engraving is labor-intensive, demanding specialized skills. It speaks to the wider context of book production at the turn of the century, where detailed illustrations could enhance the value of a printed text. The choice of wood engraving connects Rossetti to a longer tradition of printmaking, emphasizing craft and skill. Consider how the very act of carving, cutting, and printing contributes to the overall impact of the image. The material, the making, the context – all are vital to the meaning of this work.