Irené 1862

This is Sir John Everett Millais's 'Irené,' made with pen and ink. Unlike painting with oils or watercolors, pen and ink emphasizes line, creating detailed and graphic images that lend themselves to the print media. The image is built from hatched strokes, carefully arranged to build up areas of tone and shadow. The lines vary in thickness and density to suggest texture, light, and form. The artist's hand skillfully translates the weight of the sitter, the soft folds of fabric, and the play of light through the window. Reproductive technologies like engraving or lithography could disseminate images widely in books and periodicals, providing a new way for artists to reach a broad audience. This print aesthetic created a visual culture accessible across social classes, influencing tastes and contributing to the rise of mass media. Recognizing the artistry and craft involved in pen and ink enriches our understanding of 'Irené,' and it challenges our traditional distinctions between art and illustration.