Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey 16 - 1796

This print of Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, was made by Francesco Bartolozzi, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. It's an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then transferred to paper. The engraver's skill is evident in the fine lines that define Howard's features and clothing. Bartolozzi has created a likeness and an object that reflects the tastes and values of his time. This was an era of increasing industrialization and mechanical reproduction. Engravings allowed images to be widely disseminated, contributing to a growing culture of visual information. Prints like these facilitated the circulation of portraits and historical scenes, shaping public perception and reinforcing social hierarchies. While seemingly a straightforward depiction, the print embodies the dynamics of labor, skill, and consumption characteristic of its era. It reminds us that art is never separate from the social and economic conditions of its making.