Portret van Carlo Goldoni 1818 - 1832

This is a print, made by Gustav Zumpe in the 19th century. It depicts Carlo Goldoni, an Italian playwright. The printmaking process involves many steps: designing, engraving, and printing, each requiring skill and time. Look closely, and you'll see a network of fine lines creating shading and detail. These lines were incised into a metal plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. Consider the labor involved in creating this image, and the social context in which it was made. This was a period of industrialization. The printing press allowed for mass production of images like this one. It is important to think about how the materiality and making of this print inflects its cultural meaning, challenging traditional hierarchies between art and craft.