August c. 1781

Robert Dighton created this print, "August," using etching and aquatint, techniques capable of capturing fine detail and tonal variations. The printmaking process, involving acid-etching on a metal plate, would have required considerable skill and time. Notice how the aquatint gives a watercolor-like wash to the sky and landscape. This labor-intensive method allowed for multiple impressions to be made, democratizing images in a way previously unseen. The print shows a fashionable woman enjoying a day of fishing. Her clothing, the fishing rod, the bucket, and all the other elements are there to be consumed. Consider the social implications of this imagery during the late 18th century, when leisure and consumption were becoming increasingly associated with the rising middle class. Dighton's "August" is not just a picture; it's a record of material processes, social aspirations, and the burgeoning culture of consumerism. It invites us to consider the relationship between art, labor, and the everyday lives of those who viewed and purchased these prints.