Illustration til Don Quixote 1776 - 1777

This illustration for Don Quixote was made by Peter Haas around the late 18th century, using engraving. The image is created by cutting lines into a metal plate, which then holds ink to be printed onto paper. Looking closely, you can see the fine network of these lines. This technique demands precision, but it also allows for subtle gradations of tone, creating depth and texture within the scene. The process highlights a tension: while engraving is a mechanical method, the quality of the final print depends entirely on the engraver's skill. Engraving also allowed for relatively easy reproduction and distribution, fitting the rise of printed materials and the book trade. The texture and weight of the paper add to the print's appeal, as a precious object but also a mass-produced image for popular consumption. This reminds us that even seemingly straightforward illustrations are the product of specific materials, processes, and their place within a wider economic landscape.