Man en jonge vrouw drinken 1837 - 1840

This print, "Man en jonge vrouw drinken," was made by N.M. Schild, using a technique called 'line engraving'. This involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing the plate onto paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the incredible detail achieved through this method. The artist has meticulously rendered the textures of clothing, wood, and glassware, all with simple lines. The way that light and shadow are created through the density and direction of these lines is particularly remarkable. The scenes of everyday life, often of peasants drinking and merry-making, was typical for the time period. It's worth noting that images like these were often consumed by a wealthier class. Consider the labor involved in making such a print. The engraver had to be a skilled craftsman, with years of experience, and access to specialized tools. The creation of prints like these relied on a network of skilled labor, from the making of the paper, to the production of ink, to the operation of the printing press.