Man gekleed volgens de Corsicaanse mode 1720 - 1772

This print, "Man dressed according to Corsican fashion", was made by an anonymous artist using a technique called engraving. This process involves incising lines onto a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper against the plate to transfer the image. The material qualities of the print – its fineness of line, its capacity to capture minute detail – are all down to the engraver’s skill. They would have used specialized tools to cut the image into the metal, a labor-intensive process requiring precision and expertise. Consider the social context: prints like these were often produced for a growing market of consumers eager to learn about different cultures and customs. This image exoticizes the figure of the Corsican man, turning him into a consumable image. It reflects broader trends in labor, politics and consumption, as European powers expanded their reach across the globe. The print is a testament to the skilled labor involved in its production, but it also raises questions about the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation. Ultimately, understanding the materials, making, and context of this artwork helps us to see it in a fuller, more meaningful way.