After 1790 - 1810

This print, called "After," was made by Dent in the 19th century, using an etching technique. Look closely and you will see thousands of tiny engraved lines incised into a metal plate. The fineness of the lines allows for an incredible level of detail and texture, seen in the rendering of the figures' clothing, the elaborate bed hangings, and the discarded objects scattered across the floor. Etching, like other forms of printmaking, is both a craft and a mode of production. It allows for the relatively efficient reproduction of images, making them accessible to a wider audience. This was particularly important in the 19th century, as print culture flourished and images became increasingly important in shaping public opinion and taste. The image speaks of the rituals of courtship, and class relations. It also speaks of the labor involved in its production. The artist painstakingly created the etched plate, and the printer carefully produced each impression. Considering these processes allows us to appreciate the full meaning of this artwork.