Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van twee monniken op een roeiboot op zee met een dode vrouw op een baar c. 1885 - 1910

This photogravure presents a painting of two monks on a rowboat at sea, with a dead woman laid on a bier. The image is a reproduction of a painting by W. Kray, titled "Through Earthly Storm to Heavenly Peace". The photogravure process, a marriage of photography and etching, begins with a photographic image transferred onto a copper plate, which is then etched to create an image carrier that can be printed and reproduced, which democratized visual culture. The monochrome palette and textured surface contribute to the artwork's sombre and evocative atmosphere, and invite contemplation on themes of mortality, spirituality, and the sublime power of nature. The high degree of labour needed to manually set up the image underscores the value placed on craft and artistry. By exploring the material and production processes behind this photogravure, we gain a deeper understanding of its cultural significance, appreciating the ways in which art, craft, and technology intersect to shape our perceptions and understanding of the world.