Portret van Gerardina 1883 - 1884

Friedrich Carel Hisgen captured this photogravure, a "Portret van Gerardina," employing a process that intricately merges photography with printmaking. The photogravure technique yields rich, continuous tones by etching a photographic image onto a copper plate, in which the plate is inked and then printed onto paper. The image's tonal depth emerges from the varying depths of the etched plate. It is a labor-intensive process that requires technical skill. The photogravure process elevated photography to an art form, offering an alternative to mass-produced prints. The social context here is crucial. Hisgen's choice of photogravure speaks to a desire to create a unique portrait, resisting the industrialization of photography. The work involved in creating this image—the careful etching and printing—reflects a dedication to craft and artistry. Considering the materials, the making, and the context allows us to appreciate this photograph not just as an image, but as a cultural object embedded with social significance.