Portrait of Jean-Victor Schnetz 

This is a portrait of Jean-Victor Schnetz, by Jules Dupre, made with a printmaking process. Consider the artistry involved: the engraver likely employed a technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, which then holds ink to create the image. This process would allow for multiple impressions, or copies, of the artwork to be made, which is very different than a unique painting. The printmaking process allows the creation of a network of images, spreading art to a wider audience. Think about the labour involved, not only in the artist's work, but also in the work of printers and distributors who make mass production possible. Also think about the consumers of these images, as these are an intrinsic aspect of the means of production. In a sense, this portrait reflects a shift towards a more democratic art world, where images could be reproduced and disseminated, making them more accessible, though the fine details and textures remain quite captivating.