Man bereidt eten voor een tent bij Biskra, Algerije before 1893

Jules Gervais-Courtellemont made this photogravure, titled "Man bereidt eten voor een tent bij Biskra, Algerije", depicting a man preparing food near a tent in Biskra, Algeria. Photogravure is a printmaking process, using a photographic image transferred to a metal plate, usually copper, that is then etched and used to produce high quality intaglio prints. Here, we see the texture of the paper. The photogravure printing process involves several labour intensive steps, reflecting the labour that we see in the image: the preparation of food, that is being cooked for those in the tent. The choice of photogravure as a medium may reflect the historical context of the image, and the artist's social context. Photogravure was considered a high end medium, demonstrating the artist's access to resources and expertise. The technique allowed for the creation of detailed and tonal images, showcasing the artist's skill and technical mastery. Ultimately, appreciating the material and process of this artwork enhances our understanding of its cultural and social dimensions.