Pepper Plant c. 1936 - 1940

Harold Mallette Dean made this print of a pepper plant using wood engraving, a technique that dates back to the late 18th century. What distinguishes wood engraving from woodcut is the use of a very hard block of wood, often dense boxwood. The artist works into the end-grain using specialized tools called gravers or burins, achieving very fine lines and tonal gradations. Notice the precision in the depiction of the plant's leaves and peppers, and the woven texture of the pot. The apple in the foreground is also beautifully rendered. To make this print Dean would have spent many hours meticulously carving the block, gradually revealing the design through the contrast of black and white. Wood engraving sits at the intersection of craft, design, and fine art. While used commercially for illustration, Dean and other artists explored its expressive potential. Appreciating the labor-intensive process allows us to see the image not just as a representation, but as a testament to human skill and dedication.