Thor 1813 - 1872

This image of ‘Thor’ was made by Axel Theodor Kittendorff, and its fine lines were achieved through engraving – a printmaking technique in which an image is incised onto a metal plate, which then transfers ink to paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the cross-hatching that gives Thor’s figure depth and volume. This method requires precise hand-eye coordination, a steady hand, and years of training to master, a testament to the value placed on craftsmanship during this period. Engraving was widely used for illustrations, but it was also associated with mass production. This print is a reminder of the artist’s labor, but also hints at broader issues of the industrial revolution. It questions the distinctions between art and craft, challenging us to see how traditional skills could be adapted and incorporated into wider industrial processes.