Le Maquignon 1847 - 1890

John-Lewis Brown made this print, Le Maquignon, using etching. The process involves drawing an image into a prepared ground on a metal plate, then using acid to bite the exposed lines. This technique allowed Brown to create finely detailed scenes, capturing the textures of clothing, the muscularity of the horses, and the rough environment where the horse trading takes place. The stark black and white contrast emphasizes the gritty reality of the marketplace, reflecting the labor and economic exchange at its heart. The etching process, while requiring skill and artistry, also mirrors the repetitive and demanding nature of work that it depicts. The image gives an insight into the social strata of 19th-century commerce. By focusing on the material processes of both the artwork and its subject, we gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic contexts that shaped them.