Portret van Jean Casimir-Perier before 1894

This photogravure of Jean Casimir-Perier, by Nadar, offers a fascinating insight into the intersection of photography and industrial printing in the late 19th century. Photogravure combines photography and etching: a photographic image is transferred to a printing plate and then etched into the surface. The plate is inked, and then pressed to paper. This achieves a level of detail and tonal range nearly unmatched by other printing methods. Consider the labor involved: from the photographer carefully posing his sitter, to the skilled technicians translating the image onto the plate, and finally, the press operators. This portrait reflects the industrialization of image-making, yet still relies on highly skilled labor. Photogravure allowed for the mass production of images, fueling the rise of visual culture. The crispness of the image, the way light and shadow define Casimir-Perier's features, all stem from this intricate process. It's a testament to the power of combining technology and craftsmanship. Appreciating the means of production, we gain a deeper understanding of the photograph itself.