Reproductie van een portret van Willem van Oranje before 1883

This reproduction of a Willem van Oranje portrait was made by Emile Aubry, likely using a photomechanical process common in the late 19th century. The print, probably made from a metal plate, would have involved coating the surface with a light-sensitive material. The photograph of the portrait was then projected onto the plate, and the exposed areas etched with acid. This process allowed for the relatively quick reproduction of images in books and magazines, contributing to the widespread dissemination of visual information during that era. While this process democratized image making, it's important to note that it also involved labor, skill, and the use of industrial materials. The work of the etcher, the printer, and the publisher were all essential to bringing this image to a wider audience. By considering these material processes, we recognize the often invisible contributions of skilled workers to the circulation of art and ideas.