Fotoreproductie van Pêcheurs sur l'Escaut à Doel before 1889

This photogravure of fishermen on the Scheldt at Doel was produced by an anonymous artist. The photogravure process involves coating a copper plate with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue, exposing it to a photographic positive, etching the plate, and then printing the image. This process, which combines photography and traditional printmaking, allows for rich tonal variation and fine detail. The image itself is a study in labor and class, depicting working fishermen who rely on the river for their livelihoods. The softness and depth of the photogravure emphasize the slow, deliberate work of the fishermen, and the industrial nature of the printmaking process reflects the wider economic changes of the time. By engaging with both photography and traditional printmaking techniques, the artist creates a commentary on the changing landscape of labor and production. In this, we see the importance of considering materials, making, and context in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.