Dido Building Carthage, from Old English Masters Possibly 1900 - 1902

Timothy Cole’s "Dido Building Carthage" is a photogravure, incised on a copper plate, and printed on Japanese paper. The image emerges from the matrix of the metal itself, a feat of skill, labor, and chemical manipulation. Cole was a master of his medium, and his virtuosity is evident in the range of tones and textures he achieves with just ink and paper. Note the richness of the blacks, the subtle gradations of light and shadow, the crispness of the architectural detail. But consider, too, that photogravure was a reproductive medium, designed for the widespread dissemination of images. Cole made his living by translating the work of other artists into print. There's an inherent tension here, between the hand-crafted quality of the print and its role in a larger system of mass production and consumption. Ultimately, this print reminds us that even the most seemingly straightforward image is the product of a complex interplay of materials, techniques, and social forces. By attending to these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the art and its place in the world.