Two men farming 1847 - 1857

This print, "Two Men Farming," was made by Charles Jacque in the 19th century. It uses a process called etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll see how the material influences the image. Etching allows for fine, detailed lines, which Jacque uses to capture the texture of the field and the farmers' clothing. The stark contrast between black and white emphasizes the labor and the rough, unglamorous realities of rural life. Printmaking has always had a close tie to social issues. It's a relatively democratic medium, capable of producing multiples, in contrast to a unique painting. In this case, the print captures a scene of hard work, drawing attention to the lives of the working class and the amount of labor involved in the production process. By focusing on this subject, Jacque elevates the everyday and challenges traditional distinctions between high art and craft.