Long Thomas and Mad-le G-d Going to the Pantheon in Their Natural Masks 1773

William Austin created this print, "Long Thomas and Mad-le G-d Going to the Pantheon in Their Natural Masks," using etching and engraving, processes that allow for the creation of multiple impressions, making art accessible to a wider audience. The linear quality of the printmaking medium emphasizes the exaggerated features of the figures, caricaturing their forms. Through the skilled manipulation of line, Austin critiques the social elite, emphasizing their perceived vanity. The work involved in creating this print, from the initial design to the final impression, underscores the artist's labor and intention, offering insight into the social context of 18th-century England. The very nature of printmaking challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, as it combines technical skill with artistic expression to produce works that can be both aesthetically pleasing and socially relevant.