Portret van Voltaire 1746 - 1807

This is an engraving of Voltaire, made by Augustin de Saint-Aubin. The artist has used a sharp tool to cut lines into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely, and you’ll notice the careful hatching that defines the contours of Voltaire’s face and wig. The varying depths and density of these engraved lines create subtle tonal variations. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding years of training to master. Yet, in the 18th century, it was also becoming industrialized, with workshops producing prints on a large scale. These images circulated widely, helping to shape public opinion. This portrait of Voltaire would have helped to cement his image as a leading intellectual. The print is a reminder that even seemingly straightforward images are the product of complex social and economic forces. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the labor, politics, and consumption involved in its production.