Framboisier a Fruit rouge (Raspberries) 1807 - 1835

This exquisite plate, titled 'Framboisier a Fruit rouge', or Raspberries, was made using engraving, a printmaking process that involves incising an image onto a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The artist is anonymous, but clearly had a highly specialized set of skills. The graphic language of this print, with its crisp outlines and intricate details, emphasizes the qualities of the plant, while also conveying a sense of scientific precision. The color has been added by hand, requiring another layer of highly skilled labor. Botanical illustration has traditionally been seen as a craft rather than fine art, yet this distinction overlooks the meticulous work and artistry involved in capturing the natural world, not to mention the importance of this kind of image making in the history of scientific development. By attending to the materials and processes of its making, we can appreciate the social and cultural significance of this work.