Fotomontage van verschillende paarden before 1899

This photogravure of horses was created by Thomas Fall sometime before 1900. It is a photo mechanically produced image printed on paper, likely intended for a book or magazine. The materiality of this work is directly tied to the rise of industrial modes of production. Photogravure is a printing process that combines photography and etching, allowing for mass production of images. The photogravure process utilizes photosensitive materials and a copper plate, etched to create varying depths that hold ink, resulting in rich tonal variations when printed. The texture of the paper and the ink contribute to the overall aesthetic. This type of image reproduction reflects a shift in the art world towards mechanical reproduction and the democratization of art. It also raises questions about labor, as the production process involved specialized skills and industrial machinery. The work invites us to consider the relationship between technology, art, and society in the late 19th century.