Portret van een onbekend meisje op blote voeten met mand before 1899

This photographic portrait of an unknown girl with a basket, was created by Alexis Mazourine sometime between 1846 and 1918. This image is a photogravure, a printing process that bridges photography and traditional printmaking, involving etching a copper plate and using it to create a highly detailed, tonal print. The textures inherent to the copper and the etching process itself, allow a range of tones to be captured, giving the image depth and richness. The tonal variation and the fineness of detail achievable, set photogravure apart from simpler printing methods. Consider the labor involved: from the photographer’s darkroom work, to the engraver's careful etching, and the printer’s skillful application of ink. This highlights how the art-making process can blend technology and handcraft. The social context is also important; photography democratized portraiture, yet processes like photogravure retained an element of exclusivity due to the time, skill, and materials involved. Recognizing these complex layers enhances our appreciation of the artwork.