Quid est?- Why Brighton dandies.!!! Possibly 1819

Charles Williams made this hand-colored etching, titled *Quid est?- Why Brighton dandies!!!* using paper and ink. It’s a print, so by its nature it’s made to be reproduced, to be widely available. The line work of the figures shows some etching and some engraving as well. Etching traditionally involves coating a metal plate with wax, then drawing through the wax to expose the metal, and then using acid to bite away the exposed lines. After the wax is removed, ink is applied to the plate and then the plate is pressed onto paper. While the fine hatching work, and the lettering may be from engraving. We get a clear sense of its place within popular visual culture. It is meant to be humorous, rather than necessarily beautiful. The print also engages with questions of social class. The title itself suggests a critique of wealthy dandies. In this context, printmaking becomes a means of social commentary, using accessible materials to democratize the conversation. The print medium becomes a way to spread ideas and critiques far and wide.