Portret van Benjamin Franklin 1810 - 1871

This is Louis Jean Désiré Delaistre’s portrait of Benjamin Franklin, made in the 19th century using engraving. The process of engraving begins with a metal plate, usually copper, into which the design is cut using a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed against paper, the image is transferred. What I find compelling about engraving is the labor and skill involved. Each line is a deliberate act, requiring precision and control. The density of lines creates tone and texture. Look closely at the details of Franklin's face and fur collar - the lines are so fine, it's almost like looking at a photograph. The popularity of engraving coincided with the rise of print culture and mass media. Engravings like this one helped to disseminate images and ideas widely, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and cultural values. Considering the artistry and craft evident in this print encourages us to think about the social and economic context in which it was made, and to question traditional hierarchies between art and craft.