Mother and Child c. 19th century

This engraving titled "Mother and Child" was created by William B. Closson using a technique with a long history, rooted in the traditions of printmaking. Look closely, and you will notice the intricate network of lines that form the image. These were meticulously incised into a metal plate, likely copper or steel, using a tool called a burin. The plate would then be inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the engraved lines. Finally, paper would be pressed against the plate, transferring the image. Engraving demands tremendous skill and patience. Unlike a rapidly sketched drawing, each line is a deliberate act, requiring careful control of pressure and angle. This labor-intensive process imbues the image with a sense of precision and permanence. While the subject, motherhood, is timeless, the engraving process itself speaks to a specific moment in the history of reproduction, before the advent of photography fully took hold. Consider the amount of work involved, and the social function of distributing images like this one. It makes you wonder about the relationship between labor, art, and the sentimental values of the late 19th century.