Portret van Charles le Cene 1731 - 1734

This is a portrait of Charles le Cene, made by François Morellon La Cave in the 18th century, employing engraving, a printmaking technique that demands meticulous skill. The image is created by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin. The depth and density of these lines determine the tones and textures we see, from the soft gradations of the face to the intricate details of the hair and clothing. Ink is then applied to the plate, pressed onto paper, and here we have the result. The engraver’s labor is considerable, involving precise control and deep knowledge of materials. Yet, the printmaking process also allows for reproduction. This was essential to the rise of a consumer society. Prints like this one offered a means of circulating images widely and at relatively low cost, contributing to the spread of knowledge and the formation of public opinion. So, next time you look at a print, consider the labor involved in its making, and its place in the history of mass communication.