Portret van Charles de Fieux de Mouhy 1781

This print of Charles de Fieux de Mouhy was made by Simon Charles Miger, likely in the late 18th century, using engraving techniques. Engraving involves painstakingly carving an image into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The fineness of the lines, the subtle gradations of light and shadow – these are all testaments to Miger’s skill as a craftsman. The crispness of the lines also speaks to the precision and control required of the engraver. This wasn't just about artistic expression; it was a labor-intensive process demanding expertise and patience. Consider too, the social context: prints like these were often produced in multiples, making images accessible to a broader audience. In this way, the work blurs the lines between art, craft, and industry, reflecting the changing landscape of production and consumption in the 18th century. By attending to such prints, we get a richer sense of the period.