Portret van veilinghouder George Leigh 1802 - 1860

This is a portrait of auctioneer George Leigh, made by John Swaine with engraving techniques on paper. The level of detail suggests that Swaine worked with a technique called stipple engraving, which uses dots rather than lines to create an image. This painstaking process involves using a tool to create tiny indentations on a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The result is a soft, textured image with subtle gradations of tone. The texture and weight of the paper itself would have played a key role, as the ink is absorbed into the fibers, creating a unique print each time. Engraving was an essential skill, not just for artists, but for commercial endeavors like printing currency and reproducing images for mass consumption. Think of the labor and expertise involved in each print! When we consider the amount of work embedded in this image, we can begin to see the value and significance of materials, craft, and social context in understanding the full meaning of the artwork.