Vignet til Samuel Richardson "Sir Carl Grandisons Historie" 1780 - 1782

This vignette for Samuel Richardson's "Sir Carl Grandisons Historie" was made by Peter Haas, probably in the late 18th century, using etching. This printmaking technique involves coating a metal plate with wax, scratching an image into it, and then bathing the plate in acid. The acid bites away the exposed lines, which are then inked and printed. The image's fine lines and delicate details speak to the precision required by the etcher. Look at the figures' clothing and the surrounding foliage. This wasn't just a question of skill, but also time. The labor that was involved in creating this elaborate composition would have been considerable. Consider too that this image would have been reproduced many times over, bound into copies of Richardson’s novel. In this light, etching can be understood as an early form of mass media. When we consider how images and objects are made, we begin to see beyond their surface appearance, gaining insight into their cultural and economic significance.