Sur ce fier ennemi BOURBON se précipite... 1825

This print of a battle scene was created by Horace Vernet in the 19th century, using a technique called etching and engraving. Consider the labor that went into this image. The artist would have painstakingly drawn the composition onto a metal plate, incising the lines with specialized tools. The depth and density of the lines determine the tonal range of the print. The plate is then inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Each print requires this process, demanding skill and time. Here, the linear nature of the etching and engraving gives a sense of immediacy to the battle, capturing the chaos and energy of the scene. The material process emphasizes the graphic quality, a stark contrast between light and shadow that heightens the drama. The very act of creating this image – a detailed, hand-worked print – carries its own social and cultural weight. It reflects a world where images were not easily reproduced, and where craft was still valued. Looking at this print, we can appreciate not only the artistic skill but also the labor and context embedded within the artwork itself.