Illustration med vægter, der hilser på ungt par 1801

This illustration of a watchman greeting a young couple was made by Meno Haas, likely in the late 18th or early 19th century. It's an engraving, a printmaking process where the artist carefully cuts lines into a metal plate, applies ink, and then transfers the image to paper under great pressure. Look closely and you can see the network of fine lines that create the image. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding precision and control. The quality of the print depended not only on the artist's skill, but also on the materials: the metal plate, the ink, the paper, and the press. In its time, printmaking was essential to disseminating images, news and ideas in a world before photography. While artists like Haas held an elevated position in society, their labor relied on an infrastructure of skilled technicians and distributors, reflecting broader systems of production and consumption. By considering the materials, techniques, and the social context, we can fully appreciate the artistry and cultural significance of this modest print. It prompts us to reflect on the value of skilled labor and the means of production in art.