William Shakespeare 1827

This print of William Shakespeare was created by John Cochran in the mid-19th century using a technique called chine collé. This process involves adhering a thin layer of paper, the chine, onto a sturdier support during the printing process. The delicate texture of the chine allows for finer details and subtle tonal variations, which you can see in the rendering of Shakespeare's face. Consider the labor involved, not just in Cochran's skilled engraving, but also in the preparation of the paper and the careful alignment required for the chine collé technique. Prints like this made art and likenesses more accessible, connecting to a burgeoning market for images and celebrity. By emphasizing the material and processes behind this image, we can appreciate how Cochran's print bridges the worlds of fine art and commercial production.