Thomas Howard, earl of Arundel c. 18th century

Editor: This is James Basire the elder's engraving of Thomas Howard, earl of Arundel. The detail is amazing! What can you tell me about the process of creating this print? Curator: The engraving process itself is key. Basire used metal plates, a labor-intensive process often overlooked. How does the knowledge of this manual production influence your perception? Editor: Knowing that this image was created by hand, using tools to carve into metal, definitely makes me appreciate the level of work involved. Curator: Precisely! The print becomes more than just an image; it’s a record of skilled labor and a testament to the engraver's craft. Editor: It's amazing how considering the materials and process changes my understanding of the artwork.