S.G. Carow, Knight 22 - 1795

This portrait of S.G. Carow, Knight, was made by Francesco Bartolozzi, likely in the late 18th century, using stipple engraving. The texture achieved through stipple engraving is crucial to this print's character. Instead of lines, the image is built up from countless tiny dots. Look closely, and you'll see how Bartolozzi used denser clusters of these dots to create darker areas, and more sparse arrangements for lighter tones. This labor-intensive method allowed for subtle gradations of tone and a soft, almost velvety appearance, ideally suited to rendering flesh and fabric. The printmaking process speaks to the era's burgeoning print market, where skilled artisans like Bartolozzi reproduced images for a growing audience. These prints democratized art, making portraits and other images accessible beyond the wealthy elite, even if the labor involved in their production was considerable. Recognizing the role of materials and processes allows us to appreciate not only the aesthetic qualities of the artwork, but also the social and economic context in which it was created.