Duitse dog Ella-Hansa die twee prijzen heeft gewonnen op de Internationale Ausstellung von Jagd und Luxus Hunden in 1891 1891

This photogravure print depicts Ella-Hansa, a prize-winning German Mastiff, displayed at Frankfurt's International Exhibition of Hunting and Luxury Dogs in 1891. Reproduced through chemical etching on a copper plate, photogravure offered a cost-effective way to create detailed, photographic imagery, and was a popular process for reproducing images in books and portfolios. The image's tones and depth are achieved through varying depths of etch on the plate, which hold different amounts of ink when printed. It’s fascinating to consider the interplay between technology, artistic representation, and the social context of dog breeding. The photogravure method democratized image production, making art and photography more accessible to a wider audience. It reflects a shift towards industrial modes of production, yet still relies on skilled craftsmanship to create the printing plates and final prints. In its making and subject, this print marks a moment when industry and luxury were aligned.