Exterieur van de Église Saint-Martin te Vatteville-la-Rue before 1895

This print by Jean Lecerf depicts the exterior of the Église Saint-Martin in Vatteville-la-Rue. While the exact date of the print is unknown, the texture and tonal range created through the photogravure process contribute to the atmosphere of the image. Photogravure, a printmaking technique, relies on the manipulation of light and acid to etch an image onto a metal plate. The plate is then inked and used to transfer the image onto paper. The depth of the etch determines the amount of ink held, influencing the tones in the final print. This process allowed for a high level of detail and subtle gradations of tone, resulting in prints that can resemble photographs. The labor-intensive nature of photogravure, involving both technical skill and artistic judgement, makes one consider the cultural value associated with the handmade. The print exists between the reproducibility of industrial processes and the skilled work of the artisan.