The Circumcision 1890

This is "The Circumcision" by Timothy Cole, an engraving on paper. It's a copy of an earlier painting, translated into the graphic language of black and white. Engraving is an intaglio process: lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. This allows for incredibly fine detail and tonal variation. Consider the skill and labor involved in creating this image. Each line had to be cut by hand, demanding absolute precision. Cole was part of a generation of engravers who aimed to democratize art by making it accessible to a wider audience through print. This reproduction allowed people to experience a famous artwork without having to travel to see the original. So, next time you look at a print, remember that it’s not just a picture, but the result of craft, labor, and an intention to circulate art more widely. It challenges our notions of originality and value.