Children's Party c. 19th century

William B. Closson made this image of a ‘Children’s Party’ using wood engraving, a process which involves cutting into the end grain of a block of wood with specialized tools called gravers or burins. With this subtractive method, the areas that are cut away do not receive ink, and appear white in the final print. The artist needs to be able to see the image in their mind's eye in reverse, and in negative. The nature of the material and the tools used allows for fine detail and precise lines. This printmaking technique was commonly used for book illustrations and reproductions of artworks because it allowed for relatively large print runs alongside text. So while it's a beautiful, intimate artwork in its own right, it's also connected to the wider world of publishing, reproduction, and consumption. In essence, this artwork invites us to consider the intricate relationship between materials, techniques, and the broader social context in which art is created and consumed.