Heilige Gregorius deelt zijn geld uit aan de armen 1752 - 1810

This print of St. Gregory giving alms to the poor was made by Antoine Louis Romanet. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. Look closely, and you can see how the network of fine lines creates tone and texture. The crispness of the lines speaks to the relative ease with which the burin moves through the metal, allowing for precise control. This was crucial, because engravings like this were made to be reproduced. The fine lines capture every detail, from the folds in St. Gregory's robes to the hopeful faces of the poor. This wasn't just an artistic endeavor; it was a commercial one. Prints like these were popular for their ability to spread religious and moral messages far and wide. The labor-intensive process of engraving was thus harnessed to the project of social influence and control. So, next time you see a print, remember the intricate dance between hand, tool, and the machinery of mass production.