The Serpent 

This image, The Serpent, was made in the 19th century by Gustave Doré using the technique of wood engraving. A demanding, laborious medium, it involves carving an image into the end-grain of a wood block, which is then inked and printed. Notice how the stark contrast between black and white, achieved through careful, precise cuts, gives the scene its dramatic intensity. Look at the density of detail in the foliage, the texture of the serpent’s scales, and the ethereal quality of the angels overhead. The process is so labor-intensive that it implies a real commitment on the part of the artist. Wood engraving was often used for mass-produced illustrations in books and magazines. This brings up questions about the relationship between art and commerce. Was Doré creating high art, or simply fulfilling a commission? By considering the materials and making, we see how such works challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.