Gezicht op een priorij in Talloires before 1893

This photogravure titled 'Gezicht op een priorij in Talloires' was produced by E. Demole, using the process of photography, likely as part of a larger publication. Photogravure is a printmaking technique that combines photography and etching. A copper plate is coated with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue, which is then exposed to a photographic positive. The plate is then etched with acid, with the depth of the etch corresponding to the tones in the photograph. Finally, the plate is inked and printed onto paper. The photogravure process allowed for the mass production of photographic images with a high level of detail and tonal range. The image is a direct product of industrial and commercial methods, in contrast to the traditional methods and materials of fine art, such as painting or sculpture, which are focused on the hand of the artist. This process represents the industrialization and democratization of art. It's important to recognize the labour involved in these printing processes, the networks of production and dissemination, and the social context within which the image was created and consumed.