"She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd": plate 3 from Othello (Act 1, Scene 3) 1844 - 1900

This print, made by Théodore Chassériau in the mid-19th century, is an example of etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the density of these lines creates areas of shadow and depth, giving the image its dramatic quality. Chassériau was part of the Romantic movement, fascinated by the exotic and the dramatic, and this image of Othello, based on Shakespeare's play, reflects that interest. The etching process itself, while capable of great detail, involves repetitive labor. Each print requires careful inking and pressing, making it a medium of reproduction suited to mass consumption. This one would have allowed many people to experience this scene. Consider how this contrasts with the elite status of the characters depicted, and how the material and process democratize their story. The artist's work, the printer's labor, and Shakespeare's words all converge in this accessible, reproducible form, demonstrating the power of print to bridge social divides.