Ole Johan Samsøes Gravminde 1801 - 1811

Gerhard Ludvig Lahde created this print, "Ole Johan Samsøes Gravminde," using engraving, a process where lines are cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The linear precision of engraving lends itself well to capturing details, evident in the delicate rendering of the landscape, tree, and tombstone. Look closely and you can appreciate the labour intensive process. The engraver meticulously translated the scene into a network of fine lines. Engraving emerged in the context of early capitalism. It was adopted for mass production of images and distribution of visual information, unlike a unique painting or drawing. Prints like these made art and information more accessible to a wider audience. Lahde's skill highlights the value placed on technical mastery and precision. By understanding the process of engraving, we see how this print exists within broader systems of labour, production, and consumption, challenging the divide between craft and fine art.