"We drew and barricaded ourselves in my kitchen; it truly a state of seige." from the Little Miseries of Human Life 1843

This print, “We drew and barricaded ourselves in my kitchen; it truly a state of seige,” was created by J.J. Grandville in the 19th century, using a technique called engraving. The image is made by carving lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you can see how the varying density of these lines creates the image. Notice, too, that the scene illustrates a moment of domestic drama: a dispute that has escalated to the point of absurdity. The kitchen is a stage, and the figures are caught in a moment of heightened emotion. Engraving was a common method for producing images in the 19th century, allowing for the mass production of illustrations in books and newspapers. This speaks to the rise of a print culture, and the growing importance of visual communication in everyday life. So, next time you look at an old print, consider the labor and skill that went into its creation. It is a testament to the enduring power of images in shaping our understanding of the world.