"Gotton" from The Complete Works of Béranger 1836

This print, "Gotton" by J.J. Grandville, was made using engraving, a process of incising lines onto a metal plate to hold ink, and then transferring that ink to paper. The image shows a stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the poor, a social commentary made possible by advancements in printing technology. The engraving technique itself is crucial here. Each fine line meticulously carved by hand speaks to the labor involved in production and reflects the social disparities Grandville is critiquing. The rigid, precise lines used to depict the wealthy characters and their surroundings contrast with the softer, more shadowed portrayal of the impoverished. This contrast isn't accidental; it's a deliberate choice that highlights the material conditions of each class. Engraving, unlike painting or sculpture, allows for mass production, making art accessible to a wider audience. This democratic potential is harnessed by Grandville to disseminate his critique of social inequality, blurring the lines between art, social commentary, and political action. By understanding the making process, we see how the medium itself becomes part of the message.