Samuel Rogers 1822

This print of Samuel Rogers was made by Henry Hoppner Meyer in the 1800s, using the technique of stipple engraving. Stipple engraving is an intaglio process, where the image is created by a pattern of tiny dots, rather than lines. The engraver uses tools to punch these dots into a copper plate, with the depth and density determining the darkness of the printed image. This technique allowed for soft tonal gradations and delicate effects. Here, we see the process' capacity to achieve incredibly fine detail. The sitter's thoughtful pose is captured with striking accuracy. But we should also consider the labor involved. Each dot required careful placement, and the overall impression of spontaneity belies a great deal of deliberate work. In an age before photography, such prints were central to the circulation of images, and the making of fame. The work involved in their production reminds us that even seemingly straightforward portraits have a complex social and material history.