Man op een paard before 1889

This anonymous image, dating from an unknown time, is made using the photogravure printing process, a technique that translates a photographic image into an etched plate, enabling its reproduction on paper. The material qualities of this photogravure—the paper, the ink, and the plate—are central to its meaning. The image, depicting a horse rearing, is crisp, with a tonal range made possible by the etching and printing process. This process, though mechanical, requires skilled labor, bridging photography, printing, and craft. Consider the context: the image comes from a book about horsemanship, indicating a culture of leisure and equestrian skill, likely aimed at a privileged class. The act of capturing and reproducing this image speaks to broader social issues of class, labor, and the consumption of knowledge and skill. By examining these materials and processes, we gain a deeper understanding of the image, challenging the perceived divide between fine art and the crafts of printing and photography.