Stilleven met gevogelte 1857

This photogravure print of fowl was made by William Frederick Lake Price sometime in the mid-19th century. The photogravure process itself is quite fascinating, involving the transfer of a photographic image onto a metal plate, which is then etched and used for printing. The choice of photogravure gives the print a rich, velvety texture, which is well-suited to the subject matter. Look at the way the light plays across the feathers, creating a sense of depth and volume. This almost sculptural treatment speaks to the traditional artistic practices that Price engages with. But let’s consider the subject itself. This wasn’t simply about aesthetic appeal. At the time, there was an emerging consumer culture that put pressure on ideas around sustainability. The dead birds are meant to be a source of food, a stark reminder of the labor and resources required to put food on the table. This invites us to think about the relationship between art, commerce, and consumption. It is a reflection of social and economic concerns, bridging the gap between fine art and the everyday realities of life and death.