Petite Galerie Dramatique, 1796-1843, No. 367: Talon rôle de Mr Fait-Tout (...) 1796 - 1843

This print, 'Talon rôle de Mr Fait-Tout', was made in France between 1796 and 1843, using etching and hand-colouring. These processes combine to give a striking image of a stage actor. Etching begins with a metal plate, coated with a waxy ground. The artist scratches an image into the ground, exposing the metal, which is then bathed in acid. The acid bites away at the exposed lines, creating incised grooves that hold ink. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, and pressed against paper to create a print. The final touch here is hand-colouring, adding vibrancy and detail. This combination of techniques reflects the print's function as a popular image, multiplied and distributed to a wide audience. The relatively low cost of production, compared to painting, made prints like this accessible to a broader public, fueling the growth of visual culture and celebrity in the 19th century. It’s important to consider how these modes of production democratize art, and the ways that popular imagery reflects social values and aspirations.