Portret van Tanneguy III du Chastel 1839 - 1848

Alexandrine André made this print of Tanneguy III du Chastel using a technique called etching. It's essentially drawing with acid on a metal plate. The real magic is in the details. Notice the armor, the way it reflects light and suggests the weight of the metal. Think about the labor involved in producing actual armor - the blacksmith, the forges, the years of apprenticeship. André is referencing all of that with each line she scratches into the plate. It speaks volumes about the power and status associated with this historical figure. Consider also that this image would have been relatively easy to reproduce, allowing for a wider distribution of this powerful image. It puts a heroic figure within reach of a broader audience. Ultimately, this print reminds us that even seemingly simple images are deeply embedded in processes, labor, and social context. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the many layers of meaning.