Herberginterieur met pijprokende man 1751

This print, "Herberginterieur met pijprokende man," was created by Louis Surugue. Made with engraving, we can see how each line is carefully incised into the metal plate. This is how Surugue was able to achieve the effects of shadow and light that define the scene. The linear marks define the tonal range and textures we see; the smoothness of the glass, the soft texture of the hats, and the rough plastered walls. In this tavern scene, the artist is capturing an informal, and very human moment. Think about the number of impressions that could be made from one metal plate, each a tangible artifact of Surugue's labor. This speaks volumes about the relationship between art, production, and accessibility during this time, because the printmaking process allowed for wider distribution of imagery. The original drawing was able to reach a wider audience than a painting would, in the time before photography and digital media.