William Gladstone 1896

This photogravure of William Gladstone, by Charles M. Johnson, would have been made using a process that combines photography and etching. The image would first have been photographically transferred onto a copper plate coated with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue. Then, the plate is etched in a series of acid baths, with the varying depths of the etch determining the tones in the final print. Ink is then applied to the plate, which is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched areas. Finally, the plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. This technique allowed for the reproduction of photographs with a richness and subtlety of tone that was not possible with earlier printing methods. But the real feat here is the skillful control of the etching process, rendering Gladstone with such depth, you can almost feel the weight of his gaze. It’s a testament to the convergence of industrial and artistic practices at the turn of the century. Paying attention to these processes enriches our understanding of the portrait, and the cultural values invested in it.