Don Quixote 

This illustration of Don Quixote was made by Gustave Doré, using a technique called wood engraving. It's essentially a relief process: the artist carves into the end-grain of a block of wood, then inks the surface, and presses it to paper. In this particular image, the stark contrast and intricate detail are striking, and entirely characteristic of Doré. Look at how he uses dense, fine lines to create shadow and texture, giving depth to the chaotic scene. This wasn't just a matter of artistic vision; it was physical labor. Wood engraving demands precision and control, each line carefully cut. The social significance here lies in the print’s accessibility. Unlike painting or sculpture, prints could be mass-produced. Wood engraving allowed Doré's vision of Don Quixote to reach a wide audience, democratizing art in a way that aligned with the growing literacy and print culture of the 19th century. The making and the material are inseparable from the work's cultural impact.