A Gentleman and a Lady (Aurelien Scholl and Marie Colombier) 1891

Félicien Rops made this print, "A Gentleman and a Lady", using a technique called "heliogravure". It's essentially a photo-etched print, where light-sensitive materials and acids are used to transfer a photographic image onto a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Look closely, and you'll see how the process lends a specific quality to the image, a kind of hazy atmosphere that softens the figures. The labor involved in this process is considerable, demanding expertise in chemistry, photography, and printmaking. Rops was interested in the representation of modern life, particularly the complex relationships between men and women, which often involved commentary on social class and wealth. The print itself became part of a booming commercial art market, where images could be reproduced and distributed widely. So, the techniques used aren't just aesthetic choices, but also reflect the changing landscape of art, labor, and consumption in the 19th century. It challenges our assumptions about what is considered fine art, and what is considered reproduction.