Mohamed Saïd Pasha, Viceroy of Egypt and Ethiopia 1862

This image of Mohamed Saïd Pasha, Viceroy of Egypt and Ethiopia, was made by Émile Bayard using wood engraving, a technique that renders fine details. Engraving is a labor-intensive process of carving into a block of wood, where the artist painstakingly removes material to create an image through the contrast of black ink on white paper. Notice how the cross-hatching, where the lines intersect, creates a sense of depth and shadow, giving dimension to Pasha's form. The crisp lines and precise details, especially in the Pasha's garments and facial features, speak to the engraver’s skill. Wood engraving emerged as a popular method for mass-producing images in newspapers and books during the 19th century. So, this portrait also reflects the social and political context of the time, and the growing importance of visual communication through printed media. Its inherent reproducibility democratized art, making images accessible to a broader audience. By appreciating the artistry and labor behind this engraving, we can begin to consider the complex relationship between art, craft, and the rapidly changing society in which it was created.