Antony and Cleopatra, Act 1, Scene 2: Charmian–"Good Sir, give me good fortune" 1817

This print, made by John Hall around the turn of the 19th century, depicts a scene from Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra using the technique of engraving. It is made by carefully incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The dense network of lines creates a full tonal range, from deep blacks to luminous highlights. But it is more than just a picture; it’s also a product of its time. The printmaking industry flourished in the 18th century, driven by a growing demand for accessible art. Engravings like this allowed people to own reproductions of famous paintings or, as in this case, scenes from popular plays. Hall's skill as an engraver is evident in the fine details and expressive quality of the figures, which is further emphasized by the stark contrast in light and shadow. The lines are not just marks on a page; they are traces of Hall's labor, transforming a theatrical moment into a tangible object. This reminds us that art is not just about the image, but also about the materials, the making, and the social context in which it was produced.