Portret van Laura de Noves 1834

This stipple engraving of Laura de Noves was made by Henri Grevedon, who lived between 1776 and 1860. The process of stipple engraving involves using various tools to create tiny dots on a metal plate; these are then inked and printed, resulting in a soft, textured image. This was a popular printmaking technique at the time because it allowed for the creation of delicate tonal gradations, emulating the subtle effects achieved in chalk or pastel drawings. The texture of the engraving gives the portrait a refined look, highlighting the opulence of the sitter’s clothing and adornments. Grevedon’s skilled manipulation of the stipple engraving creates a tangible sense of the subject’s social status and aesthetic preferences, underscoring the labor and politics involved in portraiture and its role in constructing identity and representing social class. Considering the materials and making of this work encourages us to think beyond the surface and see the social context embedded within it.