Untitled (Abraham City with Troops) c. 19th century

This is William B. Closson's "Untitled (Abraham City with Troops)," a small print on paper. It was made using a process called wood engraving, in which the artist carves a design into the end grain of a block of wood. Closson likely used specialized tools, like burins and gravers, to create the fine lines and intricate details we see here. Look closely, and you can see the subtle variations in tone, achieved by varying the density and depth of the engraved lines. The act of engraving, unlike drawing, involves removing material to create the image, demanding great skill and control. The image shows a procession of troops passing through the gates of a city. Wood engraving was a popular method for reproducing images in books and newspapers at the time, so this print may have been intended for a wider audience, documenting a specific event or place. By considering the materials and processes used to create this print, we can appreciate not only the artist's skill but also the social context in which it was made.