Portrait of Charles Borde 1783

This is a portrait of Charles Borde by Charles Boily, made with engraving, a printmaking technique that requires immense skill and patience. The image is constructed through thousands of tiny cuts into a metal plate. Each line, each area of shadow, represents a deliberate act of removal, a testament to the engraver's control and precision. Notice how the varying density and direction of these lines create the illusion of volume and texture, from the soft folds of Borde's jacket to the delicate curls of his wig. The Cupid figure, along with musical instruments, books, and weapons, are all rendered with the same meticulous care. Engraving was a labor-intensive process, often involving collaboration between designers, engravers, and printers. In its time, it was a key method of reproducing images and disseminating knowledge, reflecting the social and economic structures of the 18th century. So, next time you encounter an engraving, consider the immense amount of skilled labor, and the wider social context, involved in its creation.