Gezicht op een rivieroever en een landweg before 1899

This photogravure of a riverscape and rural road was printed using a complex process. The image would have begun as a photograph, likely taken with a large-format camera to maximize detail. This negative would then be transferred to a copper plate, which was etched with acid to create an image in relief. The plate was then inked and pressed onto paper, resulting in the final print. Photogravure is characterized by its rich tonal range and velvety blacks, achieved through the careful control of the etching and printing processes. The laborious nature of photogravure made it a favorite of artists and photographers seeking to elevate their work beyond the realm of mass production. In a world increasingly dominated by mechanical reproduction, photogravure offered a way to imbue images with the mark of the hand, emphasizing the value of skill and craftsmanship in the creation of art.