Fotoreproductie van een portret van Joseph Wright before 1873

This is a photogravure, a photographic reproduction, of a portrait by William H. Schurch. The photogravure process transforms a photograph into an intaglio print, giving the image its characteristic tonal range and velvety texture. Looking at the image, you can see that the photogravure process involves coating a copper plate with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue, exposing it to a photographic positive, and then etching the plate. The depth of the etch corresponds to the tones in the photograph, meaning darker areas are etched deeper. The printmaker inks the plate, wipes the surface clean, and then presses paper against the plate to transfer the ink from the etched recesses to the paper. This process requires skilled labor. It combines photographic technology with the handwork of etching and printing. This particular photogravure speaks to the rise of photographic reproduction in the late 19th century, as well as the ways in which traditional printmaking techniques were adapted to new technologies. The final result is a mass-produced image of a portrait that conveys status through both pose and medium. The fusion of craft and industry democratized portraiture, while retaining an aura of exclusivity.