Mr. Kean in the Character of Richard the Third 1809 - 1819

This print from 1814 by George Cruikshank captures the actor Mr. Kean in the role of Richard the Third. It’s made using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive power of acid to create an image in metal, which is then inked and printed. The etched lines give definition to Kean’s dramatic pose and theatrical costume, with its sharp delineations and textural hatching. The process allowed for multiple impressions, democratizing access to Kean’s performance. This was a form of cultural production that was entirely reliant on the division of labor: the artist conceiving the image, the skilled etcher translating it to the plate, and the printer producing numerous copies for distribution. Prints like these reflect the increasing commodification of art and celebrity in the 19th century. By understanding the print’s material nature and production process, we gain insights into the broader social and economic context of its creation, highlighting the convergence of art, entertainment, and commercial enterprise.