Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 2: 1725

This print, Cassandra, Frontispiece, Vol. 2, was made by William Hogarth, likely in the mid-18th century. Hogarth was trained as an engraver, and he used this method to create his images. The technique involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then wiping it clean, leaving ink only in the incisions. When pressed onto paper, a reverse image is produced. Here, you can see the intricate network of lines that define the figures, landscape, and shading. Look closely, and you'll see the artist's hand in the varying depths and densities of the engraved lines. Prints like this were a crucial means of disseminating images at the time. They democratized art, making it available beyond the wealthy elite who could afford paintings. They also allowed Hogarth to circulate his satirical commentaries on society, playing a role in the growth of a public sphere and the rise of a critical culture. The lines in the image, therefore, connect directly to the lines of social change.