Grissene; Hesten og føllet 1845

Adolph Kittendorff created this print titled "Grissene; Hesten og føllet," sometime between 1820 and 1902. It’s made using a printmaking technique, likely engraving or etching, processes which belong to a long history of creative practices. Consider the way these processes have imbued the artwork with social or cultural significance. Printmaking allowed for the mass production of images. This made art more accessible to a wider audience. The sharp, precise lines of the engraving lend a sense of realism to the animals depicted. But the mode of production is also relevant. Printmaking relies on skilled labor, from the artist who creates the original image, to the technicians who prepare the plates and run the presses. This division of labor reflects the growing industrialization of the 19th century. Ultimately, understanding the materials, the making process, and the social context allows us to fully appreciate this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.