Karl Begas c. 19th century

Curator: My first thought? Austere elegance. Look at the somber tones. Editor: And Adalbert Begas renders "Karl Begas" with such directness. This is a photogravure, a process that transfers a photographic image to an etched copper plate. Curator: The result is so striking! There's a depth to the shadows and a palpable sense of personality. Begas captures, I think, Karl’s inner life. Editor: Absolutely, but I'm also drawn to the labor. Photogravure involves skilled craftspeople using specialized equipment—a collaboration, really, between the artist and the printmaker. Curator: The details are incredible, the way the light catches the subject's hair and beard. It has a very tangible quality. It is like a soul staring back. Editor: Indeed, a testament to material and process transforming a photograph into a durable, reproducible art object. Curator: It makes you wonder about the relationship between the Begas', doesn't it? Editor: A beautiful balance of emotion and materiality to consider.