The Daughter of Pharoah Finding the Infant Moses, from Illustrations of the Bible 1833

This print, "The Daughter of Pharaoh Finding the Infant Moses," was made by John Martin, as part of his "Illustrations of the Bible" series. It’s an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, then inked and pressed onto paper. The linear precision and tonal range achievable through engraving are on full display here. Look at how Martin uses finely etched lines to create the dramatic contrast between light and shadow, conveying a sense of depth and atmosphere. This wasn’t just artistic showmanship; it was also a feat of skilled labor. Engraving required a steady hand and years of training, a craft-based skill set distinct from the more painterly techniques of fine art. Prints like these were luxury goods aimed at a mass market, but it took intense work to produce them. The sharp clarity of the image reflects the precision involved, and the way that prints like these circulated art and ideas at the time. So, next time you look at a print, consider not just the image, but the labor and skill embedded within it.