Portrait of Jean Honoré Fragonard 1875 - 1885

This portrait of Jean-Honoré Fragonard was created by Tiburce de Mare, likely in the late 19th century. It’s an engraving, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. What's fascinating here is the translation of painting into print. Fragonard was a master of the fleeting brushstroke, and de Mare aims to capture that spontaneity through the laborious process of engraving. Look closely, and you'll see the density of fine lines that build up the image, creating subtle tonal variations and textures. Consider the social context. Printmaking in the 19th century was crucial for disseminating images widely, democratizing access to art. But it also involved a division of labor. De Mare, as the engraver, is interpreting Fragonard's vision, acting as a skilled intermediary. This raises questions about authorship and value. Is this a reproduction, or a creative act in its own right? By carefully manipulating the material of the metal plate, de Mare has transformed one art form into another, inviting us to reconsider the hierarchies between them.