Portret van François Dalphonse 1820 - 1821

This is a portrait of François Dalphonse, made in 1819 by Ambroise Tardieu. It is an engraving, made by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. The precision of this process is remarkable. Consider the minute, almost imperceptible gradations of tone that model Dalphonse's face. It is a demanding process that requires a mastery of tools. It is important to notice how the lines have been used to bring out the status and character of the subject. From his powdered wig, to the lapel of his coat, every detail speaks of Dalphonse’s position as a member of the French political class. Ultimately, this portrait bears witness to the engraver’s skill, but also to the place of image-making in French society at this time. Rather than simply regarding this artwork as a ‘print’, it asks us to think about the labour involved in its production, and the social context that gives it meaning.