Reproductie van een gefotografeerd portret van Giuseppe Garibaldi 1861

This photogravure of Giuseppe Garibaldi was made by Laurens Lodewijk Kleijn, though the date is unknown. The photogravure process begins with a copper plate, coated with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue. Exposing this plate to a photographic positive creates an image which is then etched into the copper using ferric chloride. The varying depths of the etch determine the amount of ink held, creating tonal variations in the final print. What’s fascinating here is how this early reproductive technology intersects with the heroic image of Garibaldi. His likeness, multiplied through printmaking, became accessible to a broader public, fueling his political and social importance. The fine lines of the gravure lend an almost ethereal quality to the image, elevating Garibaldi to an almost saintly status. This piece reminds us that even in the age of mechanical reproduction, the hand of the artist, and the intricate dance of chemistry and craft, play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions.