The Master Gardener 1741 - 1763

John Ingram created this print, "The Master Gardener," sometime in the mid-18th century using engraving. This technique involves incising lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then pressing it onto paper. The resulting image is characterized by fine, precise lines and subtle tonal variations. Look closely and you’ll notice how the engraver’s skill shapes our perception of the scene. The meticulous lines create the textures of the woman’s robe and the surrounding foliage, giving them a tactile quality despite being a two-dimensional image. Ingram likely relied on highly specialized tools and techniques. As a print, this image also speaks to the growing culture of consumption in the 18th century. Prints were relatively affordable and allowed for the wide distribution of images. This artwork underscores how materials and making processes are integral to an artwork’s meaning and value, blurring the lines between craft, design, and art.