Don Quixote 

Gustave Doré made this illustration of Don Quixote using the technique of wood engraving. This was a popular method for mass-producing images in the 19th century, allowing works like this to reach a wide audience through books and periodicals. The image is created by carving a design into a block of wood, then inking the surface and pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the density of fine lines, carefully incised to create tone and shadow. Doré was a master of this technique, using it to create highly detailed and dramatic scenes. Wood engraving was a skilled craft, requiring careful labor. The process involved specialized tools and a deep understanding of the material. The resulting prints, like this one, were not just reproductions, but original works of art in their own right. Considering the context, this image reflects the growing industrialization of art production. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, highlighting the value and skill involved in both.