Man leest de krant en een man drinkt koffie of thee before 1898

This print by Léon Herlant, titled "Man leest de krant en een man drinkt koffie of thee," uses the photogravure process, a technique that translates photographic images into intaglio prints. The process begins with a copper plate, coated with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue. After exposure to a photographic transparency, the plate is etched with acid. The depth of the etch corresponds to the tones of the image, allowing for a rich range of blacks and greys to be printed. Here, this process emphasizes the contrast between the men in the image. One, immersed in the news, while the other, perhaps a servant, attends to the rituals of providing comfort. The layering of the image allows us to consider the social dynamics at play. Who has the leisure to read, and who must provide for their needs? Photogravure, with its tonal nuance, becomes a means to explore these subtle social distinctions. This work reminds us that all forms of production, whether printing or labor, contribute to a deeper understanding of cultural values.