Portrait of Armand Guéraud of Nantes, Printer and Man of Letters 1861 - 1862

This is Charles Meryon's "Portrait of Armand Guéraud of Nantes, Printer and Man of Letters," made using etching, a printmaking technique that depends on acid to corrode the unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design. Consider how the fine, precise lines Meryon created with this method lend themselves to portraiture, capturing the texture of Guéraud's beard and the subtle gradations of light and shadow on his face. Meryon was a master of etching, celebrated for his detailed cityscapes and portraits, skillfully manipulating the acid-biting process to achieve a wide range of tonal effects. The act of printing itself carries social significance. Guéraud's profession connects him to the dissemination of knowledge and ideas, a powerful force in 19th-century society. The meticulous labor involved in both etching and printing underscores the value placed on craftsmanship and intellectual pursuits during this era. By highlighting these processes, we recognize the vital role of artisans and thinkers in shaping cultural discourse, challenging any rigid hierarchy between art and craft.