Portret van Henri François d'Aguesseau 1823

Alphonse Boilly made this portrait in 1823, using etching and burin techniques. In this print, lines are incised into a metal plate to hold ink, then transferred to paper through a press. The density of marks determines the tonal range. Notice the finely wrought areas, like the sitter’s wig, achieved through countless tiny cuts. The portrait is more than just an image; it is a record of intense labor. Prints like this played a crucial role in image circulation. They democratized access to portraiture, previously reserved for painted commissions. This etching exists in multiple impressions. Each one involves a repetitive, almost mechanical process, which reflects the burgeoning industrial mindset of the 19th century. Considering the material and production of this image, we can appreciate how printmaking both mirrored and propelled social changes of the time. This challenges distinctions between the fine arts and the wider world.